Carbohydrates are looked at negatively at times despite recommendations for them to be the most consumed.The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend carbohydrates make up between 45% to 65% of a person’s daily calorie intake. That comes from the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture.KOAT and University of New Mexico health expert Dr. Abinash Achrekar explains why our bodies need carbohydrates.”Together with proteins and fats, carbohydrates give our bodies energy,” Achrekar said. “Carbs break down into glucose — a sugar that the body can use right away. The whole body runs on glucose, and your brain needs it to work as it should.”The latest health news: Health Beat on Action 7 NewsAn alternative energy supply the body can use is through stored fat. However, that process, called ketones, can result in raised acid levels in the blood.In diet-related discussions, sometimes there is no distinction made between simple and complex carbohydrates. Achrekar explains the difference and why one needs to be limited.”Simple carbs are really the ones we need to limit. Anything sweet,” Achrekar said. “Candy, fruit juice, pastries, and desserts are all packed with these simple carbs, and are super easy to convert to usable glucose. That’s why it’s what we recommend for low blood sugar. “But we eat far too many of them,” Achrekar said. “Complex carbs, things like multi-grain breads and pasta, beans, potatoes and other vegetables are better.”Complex carbohydrates are broken down slower, which allows the body to adjust and blood sugar to remain more steady.Unrefined whole grains are recommended by Achrekar, along with eating whole fruits and vegetables rather than consuming juices. He also said beans and chickpeas are a good substitute for potato foods with high carbohydrates.Stay updated on the latest health news with the KOAT app. You can download it here.