Why does the pyramid now recommend fewer simple carbohydrates if fat is so bad for our health?
Simple carbohydrates, especially those with a high glycemic index (candy, soda, junk food), are rapidly converted to simple sugars such as glucose, and transported in the bloodstream. If the pancreas is functioning normally, it produces and secretes insulin into the bloodstream, which in turn activates muscle, fat and liver cells to take in glucose from the blood. This is a positive effect as it lowers blood-glucose, and prevents it from reaching toxic levels. If the cells of the body are in an energy deficit, they will quickly utilize this fuel and convert it to energy. However, if our energy storage tank is already full (the obese state), as a result of over consumption of fuel, the excess glucose spills over into the fat-producing pathway, converts to fat, and is stored in fat cells. So guess what? Now we have two bad things happening to our body. First, we have an excess of blood-glucose, and second, now our cells are converting this excess fuel, in the form of glucose, to fat. If
