7 High Carb Foods You Must Include In Your Diet

Carbs are the primary source of energy for the brain and muscles. Without them, it's basically running on empty. The key is to avoid carbs but to choose the right ones.

Whole and fiber-rich carbs are essential to fuel your body efficiently, and keep you healthy.

Here are seven high-carb foods that you must include in your diet.

Oats are loaded with fiber, particularly beta-glucan. It helps lower cholesterol while keeping you full longer. Just one cup of cooked oats provides about 27 grams of carbohydrates. Besides, in a study, it has been revealed that oats can improve heart health and stabilize blood sugar levels. 

Surprisingly, a medium-sized sweet potato contains about 26 grams of carbs and is also rich in vitamin A, needed for supporting vision and immune function. Contrary to refined carbs, sweet potatoes release energy slowly, thereby preventing blood sugar crashes. You can enjoy them roasted, mashed, or blended into soups.

With about 27 grams of carbs per medium banana, bananas are perfect for post-workout sessions. In fact, they are super rich in potassium, which helps prevent muscle cramps. To add more, bananas contain resistant starch, needed for better gut health and digestion.

Quinoa is one of the most nutritious seeds you can have. And one cup of cooked quinoa delivers 39 grams of carbohydrates, along with high protein and fiber content. Unlike other plant-based carbs, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids. The best part is—it’s also gluten-free, so it goes gently on your digestive system.

Brown rice provides 45 grams of carbs per cup and is rich in fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. Unlike refined grains, brown rice plays an essential role in stabilizing blood sugar levels, which makes it incredibly beneficial for people with diabetes. And you can pair it with almost anything—veggies, beans, proteins.

Lentils pack 40 grams of carbohydrates per cooked cup along with a solid amount of protein and fiber. Lentils are good for digestion too and keep you full longer. Furthermore, lentils have also been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve gut health.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. That’s true! It provides about 25 grams of carbs in the process. Unlike sugary snacks, apples are high in fiber, and the natural sugars in them provide a quick energy boost without the crash. Simply pair it with peanut butter for the perfect balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats.

It's a myth that carbs are your body's enemy. The truth is, with the help of the right carbs, your body needs to function at its best. From fiber-rich oats to sweet potatoes and quinoa, there are several high-carb sources to keep you energized and healthy. In short, smart carbs are your secret to long-lasting energy and good health.