Examples of good carbohydrates include whole grains, such as brown rice, millet, whole rye, wheat bread, buckwheat and whole-grain pasta; fruits; vegetables; and legumes, such as peas, beans and lentils. According to WebMD, good carbohydrates are those that contain high amounts of fiber and are not processed.Continue Reading
Good carbohydrates high in fiber are essential to a healthy diet and have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer. WebMD recommends that adults consume approximately 45 to 64 percent of their daily calories from good carbohydrates. Men under the age of 50 should consume 38 grams of fiber per day, while women in the same age group should aim for 25. Individuals above the age of 50 are able to reduce their fiber intake to 30 grams per day for men and 21 grams per day for women.
About.com lists additional high-fiber vegetables with good carbohydrates as avocado, pumpkin, mushrooms, kale, spinach, collards, sweet potato and carrots. Recommended high-fiber fruits include pears, blueberries, guava, figs, raspberries, apples, kiwi, apricots, blackberries and prunes.
Bad carbohydrates include any starchy or sugary substances that are refined, such as white bread, desserts and candy. WebMD warns against eating too many of these harmful foods, as they contribute to harmful conditions such as obesity and diabetes.Learn more about Nutritional Content