Consider the following quotes (from Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes, 2008): “The lower limit of dietary carbohydrate compatible with life apparently is zero, provided that adequate amounts of protein and fat are consumed.”“The minimal amount of exogenous and endogenous carbohydrate is dependent upon the brain (100-140 grams glucose/day).”
After ketoadaptation, 80% of the Central Nervous System energy can be derived from ketones, leaving 20-28 grams glucose/day.“Endogenous glucose production rate: 2-2.5 mg/kg/min, approximately 2.8-3.6 g/kg/day (1.3-1.6 g/lb/day). In a 70 kg (154 lb) man, this represents 210-270 g/day.”
So why is the Reference Value for carbohydrates in a 2,000 calorie diet set at 300 g?
There is no legitimate justification. But truth be told, if many Americans limited their daily intake to 300g of carbohydrate they’d be making a positive change! So what’s the harm? Well, let’s look at this a little closer: The Reference Value for carbohydrates includes dietary fiber (25 g), leaving 275 g of digestible carbohydrate (which are absorbed as sugars, primarily glucose).
This is the equivalent of 1 ¼ cups of sugar. The average healthy adult has approximately 1 teaspoon of glucose circulating in their blood stream. The difference between health and illness (diabetes) is an additional ¼ teaspoon!!
Ever wonder why we’re facing an epidemic of diabetes and pre-diabetes?
As seen on PCC Email Blast
No comments:
Post a Comment