Carbohydrates, or carbs as they are commonly called, are one of the three macronutrients that our body needs for energy. They are an essential part of our diet. Carbs provide energy for our body to function, just like the fuel we put in a car.

Are all Carbs created equal?

No, not all carbs are created equal. Some carbs are better for our body than others. There are two types of carbs: Simple and Complex.

Simple Carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, and sugar. They are absorbed fast by our body, which makes us feel high in energy after consuming them.

But unfortunately, this energy boost doesn’t last long, leaving us feeling tired and sluggish when the effect wears off. Simple carbohydrates are not very good for our body as they don’t provide long-lasting energy. Moreover, they contribute to diabetes, obesity, and other health problems when consumed in excess amounts.

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates are found in whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. They are made up of long chains of sugar molecules, which make them hard to break down.

This results in slower absorption by our body, which provides sustained energy and helps us stay full for longer periods. Complex carbohydrates are essential for our body, providing the necessary fiber, vitamins and minerals needed for good health.

What vegetables are high in carbs?

Although vegetables are generally low in carbohydrates, a few specific vegetables are high in carbs. Here we will discuss some of the vegetables that are high in carbs.

1. Corn

Corn is a starchy carb-rich vegetable. Being a type of grain, corn is high in sugar and provides a larger amount of carbohydrate compared to other vegetables. One cup of corn provides around 41 grams of carbohydrates.

Although corn has some nutritional benefits, it should be consumed in moderation.

2. Beets

Beets contain a high amount of natural sugar and carbohydrates which puts them on the high-carb vegetable list. One cup of cooked beets has about 16 grams of carbs.

Beetroots have many potential health benefits, including improving exercise performance, lowering blood pressure, and promoting liver health. Just like corn, they should be consumed in small amounts as part of a healthy diet.

3. Parsnips

Parsnips are root vegetables that taste sweeter than carrots and contain significantly more carbs. One cup of cooked parsnips has around 24 grams of carbohydrates.

Parsnips are high in fiber, which may help regulate blood sugar levels, keep bowel movements regular, and improve overall gut health.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a highly nutrient-dense root vegetable that can be eaten baked, roasted or boiled. They are higher in carb content than regular potatoes (one medium sweet potato has around 23 grams of carbs).

These tubers are an excellent source of beta carotene, vitamin C, and fiber. Sweet potatoes have many health benefits in terms of regulating digestion, improving eye health, and providing high amounts of antioxidants.

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5. Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables and are consumed all around the world in many different forms. They are a starchy vegetable, which means that they are naturally high in carbs. One medium-sized potato has about 31 grams of carbs.

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium though, so it’s okay to have moderate amounts of potatoes in your diet, as long as you don’t consume too much of them.

6. Winter Squash

Winter squash, including butternut and acorn squash, is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is high in carbs. One cup of cooked squash has about 15 grams of carbohydrates. Squash is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C.

It’s also a good source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Squash can be roasted, boiled, or baked and is a good source of energy for our body.

7. Carrots

Carrots are a popular root vegetable that is high in sugar and good in carbs. One medium carrot contains about 6 grams of carbs.

Carrots are also a rich source of beta-carotene, which provides many health benefits like improved eyesight, glowing skin, and prevention of certain cancers. It’s okay to consume moderate amounts of carrots as a part of a healthy diet.

8. Peas

Peas are a vegetable that comes under the legume family with high carb content. One cup of peas has around 21 grams of carbohydrates. Peas are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that have many potential health benefits.

They may be beneficial for heart health, digestive health, and blood sugar control. However, they should be consumed in moderation due to their high carb content.

9. Corn Starch

Corn starch is a versatile ingredient that is often used for its thickening properties in sauces, soups, and desserts. Cornstarch is a highly refined type of corn that is high in carbs.

One tablespoon of cornstarch has approximately 7 grams of carbohydrates. Although cornstarch has no nutritional benefits, it is a useful ingredient in many recipes.

10. Jerusalem Artichokes

Jerusalem artichokes, also called sunchokes, are a type of root vegetable similar to potatoes. They are high in carbohydrates, especially inulin, which is a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic in our digestive system.

One cup of cooked Jerusalem artichokes has around 26 grams of carbohydrates. This vegetable is also an excellent source of iron and potassium.

Conclusion

Although the vegetables discussed in this article have higher levels of carbs, they are still good for our body. They contain essential nutrients that our body needs to function properly.

It’s okay to consume moderate amounts of these vegetables as part of a healthy diet. Incorporating a variety of vegetables in your diet provides a lot of health benefits, so make sure to include some of these high-carb veggies into your meals.