Why Carbs are Important
Energy
Your body needs energy to function and carbohydrates are your body’s number one source of energy. The brain, nervous system, and red blood cells rely exclusively on carbohydrates (in the form of glucose) for fuel. Your brain requires 130 grams of carbohydrates per day to function normally! If you want optimal function it is likely that you will need more than that. For most healthy adults, carbohydrates should make up about 45-65% of your total daily calories.
Cravings and Appetite
Consuming an adequate amount of carbohydrates each day will lead to fewer cravings and binges. When you are not providing your body with enough of its number one source of energy, you will crave it. Including an adequate amount of carbs in your day will also help to stabilize your hunger through increasing the production of serotonin. Aim to get your carbohydrates from whole food sources likes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains most of the time, but make sure to leave room for the fun stuff sometimes too.
Health benefits
Carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and starchy vegetables contain fiber which can help to reduce constipation, lower cholesterol, and control blood sugars. Eating adequate amounts of carbohydrates will also benefit your mental health as you will be able to think more clearly and perform better in school and at work.
Nutrition recommendations vary by individual. If you have questions about how many carbohydrates you should be eating make sure to contact a dietitian!

These blogs are written by members of the CHI Health Nutrition Services team.
Carrie
I read the article about why my body “needs” carbs. 100% disagree. I’ve been carnivore for 10 months, avoiding every carb possible. I’ve toned up muscle mass, lost fat, sleep better and have decreased my anxiety and depression 10 fold. Not to mention, I’m mentally better off, too. Do your research. Your body does NOT need carbs!! Cancer, and other diseases rely on carbs to survive.
Brian Snyderworth
If the body need carbs can you explain to me how when I ate carbs I was 400lbs and since doing a proper human diet which dose not include carbs I now weigh 250 lbs. All my labs are now perfect. No more pre diabetic, no more fatty liver, A1C was 6.5 now 4.9. This might be the worst medical advice ever.
HealthTimes
Great read with great tips. Thank you for sharing this info.