Good Carbohydrate Foods Vs. Bad Carbohydrate Foods – Everything That You Need To Know

Good vs. Bad Carbohydrates – Learn The Difference

When it comes to fitness and weight loss, carbs are often villainized or loved. It seems as if people can never find a middle ground and accept that every nutritional group is important. What matters is how you consume it and how much. Carbohydrates are undeniably important. We eat them every day, so in order to stay fit and stay healthy we have to be careful and know the difference between good and bad carbohydrates. A rational and balanced approach is important when planning meals.

If you look at the big picture, there are two types of carbs, the complex carbs on the one side, and simple carbs on the other. The truth is that carbohydrates are everywhere around us, so it’s best to learn how to recognize the good from the bad ones, and try to stay healthy by making better choices.

What Are Carbs?

Carbohydrates are essentially sugars that our body converts to glucose or blood sugar, which is stored for energy. If they have high glycemic levels, then they tend to raise your blood sugar levels, and make you feel tired and hungry faster.

Bad Carb Food

When we say bad carbs, we refer to the simple carbs. But why are they that bad for our health? Well, here’s the thing. Simple carbohydrates are small molecules of sugar that are digested and absorbed really rapidly. The energy is stored as glycogen, and if not used immediately (by working out), they convert to fat.

Why Are The Bad Carb Foods That Bad?

First of all, if they are not used immediately they turn into fat. They are low in nutrients and fibers, because they are stripped of their nutrients in order to get more “consumer friendly”. They are mostly processed carbohydrates that contain empty calories that are converted to fat, having high glycemic levels and elevating blood glucose levels.

Examples of Bad Carbohydrates

• Soda
• Candy
• Artificial syrups like corn syrup or maple syrup
• Sugar
• White rice, white bread, and white pasta
• Instant oatmeal
• Pastries and desserts
• Fruit Juices (processed)
• Bagels
• Processed corn products
• Processed potato products
• Processed rice products

That may sound like a lot of the foods you love, but as you’ll learn there are plenty of healthy alternatives that taste just as good, or at least nearly as good.

Good Carbs

Good carbs are also known as complex carbohydrates. Their chemical structure, fibers and nutrient levels, require our bodies to work harder in order to digest them, and the energy is released over a longer period of time.

Why Are They Good Carb Foods?

Good carbs are mostly in their natural state, or very close to it. This also means that they are high in fibers and nutrients and they help you feel full with fewer calories. Also, they have low glycemic index levels, and they naturally stimulate metabolism.

Examples of Good Carbohydrates

• Vegetables (all kinds)
• Fresh fruit
• Oats and oatmeal
• Brown Rice
• Seeds
• Nuts
• Quinoa
• Lentils
• Whole Grain Breads
• Whole Grain Cereals
• Potatoes
• Whole grain pastas
• Beans

As a simple rule, look for carbohydrate rich foods that have gone through minimal processing. The fresher and more natural a carb-rich food the healthier it is likely to be. Likewise, highly processed foods that are high in carbs are likely to be extremely bad for your health. If you are on a weight loss diet or are simply looking to eat healthy, make it a point to follow a balanced diet that includes every food group. Just make sure that each group is represented by the healthiest possible choices.

Guidelines and hygiene go for toss amidst mid-day meal mess

Spate of food poisoning cases due to mid-day meals (MDMs) witnessed across the country in recent years had been shocking. Latest of such incidents include the hospitalisation of 26 students after eating MDMs at a school in a Telangana village, and nine students of a government school in Delhi taking ill after consuming MDMs that allegedly had a dead rat.

Most appalling of such MDM disaster incidents are of around 50 students falling sick due to low-quality MDMs at a government school in Madhya Pradesh in September 2015; over 100 girls hospitalised after eating school lunch in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, in July 2013; and traces of organic phosphorus content in MDMs leaving over 20 school kids dead in Bihar’s Chapra district in July 2013.

A research reveals that only one/fifth samples were taken from centralised kitchens run by NGOs, for providing MDMs in government schools in the capital, met prescribed standards. How more horrifying can things get?

MDM scheme was launched in India in 1995 and is governed by the National Food Security Act, 2013. Adulteration/food poisoning is punishable under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. However, the mere framing of regulations and even prosecution proceedings under the statutory provisions have not made any difference as in reality in most cases after the media circus is over, one pleads guilty, pays a minor fine and goes scot-free.

The framing of strict, time-bound disciplinary procedures and actions and, above all, implementation of the said regulations are need of the hour. In case of violation/s, an immediate explanation must be demanded from the negligent official/s concerned not just the high-ranking officials, but also those directly responsible for the allocated job. Actions taken could vary.

While in case of a major violation, harsh penalties such as dismissal, demotion, or removal should be imposed on officials directly responsible; in the event of a minor violation, penalties such as lowering increment, stagnation in pay, written warnings etc should be imposed. Similar minor penalties should be imposed on ones indirectly or partially responsible for such incidents. Disciplinary action and procedures—such as issuing charge sheet/show cause notice, demanding explanation or enquiry—may take time, of course within a reasonable limit, but actions such as suspension must be taken immediately. These are the only effective ways to deter and reprimand errant officials of their duties.

Remedial and penal policies are very much in place in educational institutions. However, awareness and implementation is mostly lacking. There is need to make actions time-bound along with reasonable provisions of condonation of delay, strict and regular supervision by higher officials of the actions taken, and transparency and accountability to public with regard to the measures taken.

Furthermore, backdoor entry of merit-less non-performers, especially in government departments, is a key loophole in our economic system. Just as multinationals owe their growth to educated, meritorious, vigilant and skilled employees, government positions, too, deserve to be occupied by worthy ones. It is high time for the legislature to slam the doors on such shady termites.

Other steps that should be taken are directions to schools to upload information about compliance of food safety norms on its website/s, installation of CCTV cameras in areas where food is cooked and served, a notice on school’s board about legal provisions and actions in case of violations.

Pulses sample lifted from markets for testing

Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Srinagar today said following complaints that some pulses are colored, polished and then sold in market, samples of different varieties of pulses were lifted from city markets for laboratory analysis

“Accordingly, a team of food safety officers headed by the Assistant Commissioner seized 4970 kilograms of Split Channa, Arhar and Moongi from markets at Nowhatta, Batamaloo and Gogjibagh in Srinagar. Samples of seized pulses were dispatched for food analysis for further investigation. Consumers have been advised to conduct a simple test of washing pulses in a bowl of water to see if lather or colour appears. It was said that consumers can file a complaint regarding the same on 0194-2495191 or 9858820569,” the Assistant Commissioner Food Safety said in a statement.

After K’ghar food poisoning case, FDA inspects street stalls

Navi Mumbai: In the aftermath of the Kharghar food poisoning case, the Raigadunit of FDA had started inspecting and checking samples of street food in the city.

Commissioner of Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Dr. Sudhakar Shinde has ordered strict action against street food stall owners found flouting hygiene rules. Besides, Shinde has also appealed to residents to stay away from such outlets.

The Raigad unit of the FDA will check the stalls and also organise an awareness program for vendors.

Assistant commissioner of the Raigad food division, Dilip Sangat, said, ''Our inspectors have started collecting samples. Due to the rise in temperature, food tends to get spoilt faster, resulting in food poisoning. Neither did the police, nor the PCMC inform us about the Kharghar incident. Our team visited the area after we got to know about the incident through media reports. Our staff has been asked to check food joints. An awareness programme on food safety measures will also be organised for vendors.''

Meanwhile, Shinde has appealed to media to create awareness among residents.

''Open stalls and street food are illegal as per the law. The illegal food joints will face action. All our department officials have been asked to evict these food stalls. The team will also seize the items used for preparing such food,'' he said.

He added that around 26 persons were suffered from food poisoning after eating from a open stall in Kharghar, but the police did not lodge FIR, till he intervened.

Panvel rural hospital superintendent Dr. B S Lohare said, ''The food available at roadside joints get contaminated easily. Cases of dysentery have also been reported.''

Making street food safe

For hygiene: The ‘SmartCart’ that was unveiled at CFTRI in Mysuru. 

CFTRI and startup develop solar-powered modular cart

How to make sure that the irresistible street food is also safe and hygienic? The Mysuru-based Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has found an answer.

In an effort to empower street food vendors to deliver hygienic food, the premier institute has developed ‘SmartCart’, an energy-efficient solar-powered modular street vending cart.

Launched with the idea of giving strength to the Swachh Bharat mission, the ‘SmartCart’ has been developed to ensure enhanced hygiene in the street food arena with quality mobile infrastructure, which can be adopted pan-India for street food vending and preparation, according to the CFTRI. With wheels, the cart has ease of mobility and option of towing.

What drove the CFTRI to develop the eco-friendly cart? Doctoral students from the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), during a recent survey of street foods in Mysuru, found that the carts used by street vendors were inadequate in infrastructure and ergonomics. Inputs from around 200 street food vendors had been collected.

This prompted scientists at the institute to design and develop the model cart which, according to CFTRI, comes with features for “better hygiene, improved food safety, ease of operations and unique aesthetics.”

CFTRI Director Ram Rajashekaran told The Hindu that a few street food vendors had approached him evincing interest to adopt the cart for their operations. “The project is a joint venture by the CFTRI and an engineering startup company. Technology can be adopted or the cart can be ordered directly from the company. It costs between ₹50,000 (basic version) and ₹2 lakh,” he said.

The developers claim that the four-ft wide and six-ft long cart makes it easier to cook, hold and serve the food.

Lizard In McDonald’s French Fries: What India Can Learn From Quality Checks Overseas

In an appallingly unpleasant incident in Kolkata, a mother-daughter duo was in for a serious shock when a trip to their favorite fast food outlet turned out to be far from what they’d planned. With a deep-fried lizard in their serving of fries, the incident was practically a nightmare for them.

The Events That Transpired

As per a report published by TOI, a mother took her daughter out for a birthday outing that soon turned disastrous. While munching on a portion of french fries, they were taken aback when the little girl found a dead lizard inside. The mother, who is expecting, instantly felt sick. The worst part is that when the incident was brought to the manager, reportedly, he displayed a very nonchalant attitude and seemed completely unapologetic.

Need For Quality Provisions & Stringent Penalties

This isn’t the first time that an incident like this has come to light in our country. There have been constant reports of people finding all sorts of bugs and insects in restaurants and chains across India, including reports of a live worm found in a Subway sandwich. Had this incident transpired overseas however, things would have been dealt with in a completely different manner.

Model Provisions & Routine Inspections In The US

“In countries like USA, such incidents are taken very seriously and held to a strict account”

Restaurants and franchises that don’t meet required health standards run the risk of being shut down. In fact, the FDA or Food and Drug Administration, a federal agency in the US, publishes the FDA Food Code which sets forth model provisions for ensuring complete safety and the best quality in restaurants and franchises. Local and county health departments have routine inspections and licensing checks to make sure the provisions are being adhered to.

The Current Situation In India

In India, though the FSSAI (Food Standards & Safety Authority of India) attempts to check the food, poor implementation and age-old guidelines that are completely irrelevant in today’s context add absolutely no value to those ‘checks’. The need of the hour is to ensure that proper guidelines and provisions are implemented in the country, where at least basic health standards and quality checks are being adhered to and stringent penalties are put in place to address any sort of deviance from these standards.

So Are International Food Chains Your Best Bet?

“While most of us look at international food chains as the safest option when we’re in the mood for some junk, reality paints a different picture”

This incident also raises a serious question on how effective quality control in big franchises and international food chains in India really is. Health experts, for long, have criticized the aggressive advertising and marketing tactics that these brands use to garner a larger customer base, by influencing consumer preferences. The truth is that most of these food chains compromise on their quality and don’t make the same efforts to maintain consistency in the quality (and taste) across their franchises.

Growing Competition & Compromised Quality

Most of these franchises are under an increasing amount of competition and pressure with each other. In order to maximize their revenues and generate maximum profits, these chains are more than willing to dilute their quality and even sacrifice ingredients altogether. Chicken patties being mixed with ridiculous amounts of soya chunks and pizza sauce with red pumpkin as a filler are not rare occurrences. Food consultants specifically recommend giving those limited-time offers a miss, because most brands see this as an opportunity to use the worst-quality food by packaging and marketing it smartly.

For the time being, while India continues to be bombarded with these international food chains, looks like you’ll just have to reconsider the ‘healthy’ unhealthy options you have the next time you’re in the mood to satiate your junk food craving!

Delhi's food department has its plates full: 3 inspectors for over 50,000 eateries

There are nearly 50,000 eateries in Delhi and the department has just three food inspectors to spare.

HIGHLIGHTS

• There are nearly 50,000 eateries in Delhi and the department has just three food inspectors to spare.
• Food department will conduct an examination on Sunday to fill 20 vacant posts
• Last month, a Delhi government school reported a dead rat in its mid-day meal.

The city's food department has few inspectors and a lot on its plate. With Holi a week away, the administration is scrambling to check quality and hygiene standards at thousands of restaurants, shops and dairy units.

It's a mammoth task. There are nearly 50,000 eateries in Delhi and the department has just three food inspectors to spare. It will conduct an examination on Sunday to fill 20 vacant posts but recruitment will not start before next month.

KAKE DA HOTEL CONTROVERSY

The development comes close on the heels of the Delhi high court telling the department this week that it cannot pick and choose restaurants and eating joints to implement hygiene and safety standards.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva made the observation while ordering withdrawal of notices issued against Connaught Place's popular Kake-Da-Hotel, which generated controversy when a video allegedly showed dough being kneaded by foot atop the establishment. The department assured the court that it would inspect all eateries and restaurants and action would be taken against those not complying with the mandatory safety and hygiene requirements.

Last month, a Delhi government school reported a dead rat in its mid-day meal following which nine students reportedly fell ill.

Following the incident, the food safety department decided to conduct emergency inspections of all 33 mid-day meal kitchens and transportation facilities in the city.

"Presently, the department has 6 food inspectors of whom one is always on VIP duty, two are deputed on court cases and just three are on the field to collect food samples," said sources.

SHORTAGE OF FOOD INSPECTORS

The shortage of food inspection staff came to the fore last year too when just 945 samples could be lifted from eateries of which 112 were found not conforming to standards. In 2015, the department picked up 1,680 samples.

Delhi food commissioner Dr Mrinalini Darswal told Mail Today, "These food inspectors have the power to check any fivestar hotel or eatery and they can be shut down for 15 days on a single order of the food commissioner. Once these food inspectors are recruited, we will pick as many food samples as we can. The department aims to lift at least 10,000 food samples this year."

Sources told Mail Today that the department gets hundreds of food-related complaints a month and about 10 to 12 in a week, which gets doubled in the festive season.

"Milk and dairy products become top food items to be scanned," said Dr Darswal. "Not just one or two, Delhi has 50,000 food outlets including five-star hotels, restaurants and dhabas. Apart from these, the department also keeps a close watch on vegetable mandis, grocery stores and street food vendors too."

The food commissioner said surprise raids at joints would be a continuous process from now and stricter action would be taken against offenders. The department also assists the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in various projects.