The Diagnosis: Carb Conundrum

Remember when we were told carbs were bad and should be eliminated from our diets so we'd stop getting fat?

Lies.

Well, lies of sorts. Carbohydrates from refined flour are void of the nutrients your body needs to get maximum benefit. Want healthy carbs? Stick to whole grains.

Whole grain foods must contain all the parts of the original grain before being crushed into flour. This is different from "multi-grain" and "whole wheat." Whole grain foods are made from unrefined flour and contain all of the natural fiber in the original grain.

Refining removes bran and germ, leaving only the carbohydrate-rich endosperm. This also decreases the protein in the flour. Refined flours will add nutrients that have been removed during the refining process.