Complex carbohydrates are an excellent energy source rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that between 40% and 60% of our total calories come from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates (starches) and naturally occurring sugars.1
Although complex carbohydrates are a healthy addition to the daily diet, many people are intolerant to such foods, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, breads, cereals, beans, lentils, and dried peas. This intolerance, referred to as Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance, or CCI, can lead to uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms,1 and can even cause individuals with CCI to avoid complex carbohydrate foods, despite their protective health benefits.2 In fact, in a recent national telephone survey, over 30% of people surveyed they chose to avoid foods containing complex carbohydrates simply to avoid the symptoms of CCI.3
Click here to read more about the causes and symptoms of CCI.
References:
1 Worthington RE, Beuchat LR. Alpha-galactosidase activity of fungi on intestinal gas-forming peanut oligosaccharides. J Agric Food Chem. 1974;22:1063-1066.
2 Hu FB, Willett WC. Optimal diets for prevention of coronary heart disease. JAMA. 2002;288:2569-2578.
3 Telenation phone survey. August 20-24, 2004.
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