Healthy and Delicious: The 12 Best High-Carb Foods

By Nikhil Ambatkar | 16th Feb 2023

Eating a nutritious and balanced diet is essential to staying healthy and energised. However, many people need more carbohydrates in their diets, which can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating and insufficient energy levels.

That’s why it’s essential to incorporate high-carb foods into your diet to ensure you have enough energy to power through your day.

This article will explore 12 of the best high-carb foods you can add to your diet to supercharge your energy levels and ensure you get the nutrition you need.

Read on to know more about the best high-carb foods that you can add to your diet to help give you the energy you need.

Table of Contents

1. Oats

Whole-grain oats are widely recognized as an incredibly nutritious and beneficial food source. Packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, they are a great addition to any diet. Carbohydrate-wise, they are 66% carb with 11% fibre, including the beneficial beta-glucan. In addition, they provide more protein than most grains.

2. Bananas

Bananas are one of the most commonly consumed fruits globally. They are composed of approximately 23% carbohydrates, either from starches or sugars. Unripe (green) bananas tend to contain more starches, which convert to natural sugars as the bananas ripen (turn yellow). Bananas are a great source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium. Additionally, they possess various beneficial plant compounds.

3. Beetroots

Beetroots are a vibrant purple veggie, more often referred to as beets. Eating them raw or cooked will provide your body with 8-10% carbs, mainly consisting of sugar and dietary fibre – plus plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant compounds. On top of that, beets are well-known for their inorganic nitrates, which your body will convert into nitric oxide.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are delicious – no wonder they are commonly referred to as a “superfood”! Loaded with plant compounds and antioxidants, they are made of mostly water and a decent amount of carbohydrates. Research has demonstrated that blueberries can help guard the body against oxidative damage and even enhance memory among the elderly.

5. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are a type of everyday bean which belongs to the legume family. When cooked, they are packed with carbohydrates like starches and dietary fibre, along with lots of protein. Additionally, they are jam-packed with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients and full of antioxidants like anthocyanins and isoflavones.

6. Chickpeas

Chickpeas, commonly known as garbanzo beans, are a member of the legume family. They deliver 27.4 per cent carbs, with 8 per cent of that being fibre. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein. Not only that, but consuming them has been associated with better cardiovascular and digestive health.

Read more – Roasted Chana Health Benefits

7. Quinoa

The quinoa seed is hitting the health circuit as a nutritional powerhouse. It’s a pseudocereal – a source that serves like a grain – loaded with minerals and plant substances that are thought to help with blood sugar control. It’s no wonder it’s become so popular amongst people seeking a healthier diet.

8. Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a pseudocereal and not an actual cereal grain. Despite its name, buckwheat has no connection to wheat and has no gluten content. It’s recognised to be advantageous for cardiovascular health and keeping blood sugar in check, particularly for those living with diabetes.

9. Sweet Potatoes

Deliciously nutritious, sweet potatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. This tuber is especially rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, reducing oxidative damage and preventing several diseases.

10. Oranges

Oranges are a beloved fruit globally, and for a good reason. Packed with vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, oranges help maintain a healthy heart and combat kidney stones. Additionally, they help the body absorb iron more efficiently, reducing the risk of anaemia.

11. Grapefruit

Grapefruit is an incredibly nutrient-dense citrus fruit, boasting a delightful combination of sweet, tart, and bitter flavours. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, it can be a great ally in weight loss efforts, as well as helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

12. Apples

Fruit lovers agree that apples are an excellent choice for their sweet taste and crunchy texture. Furthermore, they boast a wide range of vital nutrients, even if they are found in small amounts. Enjoying these fruits may confer several health benefits, including improved blood sugar stability and a decreased likelihood of heart-related issues.

Takeaway Message

Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are not inherently unhealthy. Some of the healthiest foods in the whole world contain large amounts of carbohydrates. Nevertheless, whole food sources of carbohydrates are essential nutrients for many people. It is important to note that refined carbs can be bad for you, but food sources of carbs can be highly beneficial.

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Disclaimer– The information given in this article is accurate to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend you consult your healthcare professional before practising any information mentioned in this article.

References