There are three types of carbs: complex carbs, simple carbs, and fiber.
Naked carbs is just another name for simple carbs.
Simple carbs can give you a sugar rush.
Photo Illustration by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Complex carbs are found naturally in whole grains, vegetables, and legumes.
These take longer to digest and absorb, so you dont get a rapid blood sugar spike.
Simple carbs are often in ultra-processed foods, candy, white rice, and soda.
However, you dont need to eliminate all simple carbs from your diet.
And the same rule applies for other naked carbs.
If youre going to eat crackers, match them with a bean spread like hummus, she said.
It can help control blood sugar and cholesterol.
Even if its 100% fruit juice from an apple, youre basically drinking simple carbs straight.
Some low-carb diets, like keto, recommend cutting fruits from the diet.
Most meals and snacks should have protein, fiber, unsaturated fats, and carbs.
Carbs are essential for supporting brain function and physical activity.
We do not need to be afraid of eating carbs, Garcia Cerda said.
Everythingbesides the fiber we dont fully digestturns into glucose in our bodies.
Our brain prefers to function with glucose as its primary source of fuel.
What This Means For You
You dont need to completely eliminate naked carbs from your diet.
Adding fiber, protein, and healthy fats to naked carbs can help slow down their digestion and absorption.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Get the facts: added sugars.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Simple carbohydrates.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fiber: the carb that helps you manage diabetes.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Why is it important to eat fruit?
