The sun is responsible for all carbohydrate production on planet earth. Every carbohydrate source, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, is made of condensed sunlight. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants miraculously transform sunlight into starches and sugars. An easy way to describe carbohydrates is to define them as “anything that grows from the ground.”

The colorful nature of fruits and vegetables seems to be Mother Nature’s way of telling humans that carbohydrates are the staff of life. It turns out carbohydrates are the only source of fuel for the brain and central nervous system. In fact, going without carbohydrates for just 10 seconds will result in unconsciousness and ultimately physical death. Carbohydrates should no longer be feared, but respected as the main source of life force energy.

Carbohydrates are also beneficial since they stimulate insulin, a pro-metabolism hormone that keeps protein inside your muscles, thus preventing muscle loss. Carbohydrates only become a problem when processed or eaten in excessive quantities. Stay tuned for next week as the topic covers how many carbohydrates you should consume at each meal.