Is corn the worst carb of all? To be avoided?

writes:
Example...I have a small can of Chef Boy ArDee ravioli in front of
me and its man made (in factory) and as such full of carbs. At
least more so than say a can of tuna, right?

The ravioli itself isn't the problem, it's the flour it's made from
that's the problem. The meat and sauce in ravioli could be considered
OK (aside from any HFCS in the sauce, or breadcrumbs in the meat).

By "processed" I usually mean that an ingredient has been modified to
have more of one component and less of another. Processed flour, for
example, has had much of the protein, fiber, and trace micronutrients
removed, so as to have more of the starch.

I guess that what Im asking. Of the natural source carbs..which is
worst? Corn is not worse, correct?

It's better to reduce them all, and end up with a wide range of small
portions, than to blindly remove one and be left with (perhaps) a
stark, unappealing, and less nutritious menu.

While in general this is one of those carbs that is high in both calories
and carbs with a high glycemic index, there are some products made with
corn that can be used. Unfortunately, there is no great substitute for
corn itself, although I have learned to eat just a kernel or two out of a
friend's bag of popcorn, just as I've learned to eat a french fry or two
off of a friend's plate instead of getting it for myself.
There are some low-carb corn taco shells out there. Why low in carb?
Because they are made as light as a feather. If the product is only a few
grams in net weight, the carb count won't be too high and won't hurt you.
I use them occasionally.
Second, when is high-carb corn not high carb? When its fiber is extracted
from the corn and used to develop a new product, as is the case with a
product called "Z-Trim" (go to www.ztrim.com). This is a wonderful
product that can be used as a fat substitute. It has no calories, only
fiber, and can be mixed with butter or water and can be used as a partial
substitute in many kinds of baking in order to reduce caloric content.
This is great stuff that nobody should be without. I only recently
discovered it and it's starting to make the news. Although its mostly
used at this point commercially, you can buy it online at their website
for home use. For example, I recently bought a Carb Sense Biscuit Mix
that called for an ungodly amount of fatty substances to be added. In
this case I substituted 100% of the oil called for with Z-trim (mixed with
water in this case). The biscuits came out much better and far lower in
calories using the Z-trim.
Unfortunately, on low carb you'll want to stay away from that old
corn-on-the-cob favorite :-(

aside from any HFCS in the sauce, or breadcrumbs in the meat)

Yep ther is HFC in this raviloi stuff alright!

aside from any HFCS in the sauce, or breadcrumbs in the meat)

Yep ther is HFC in this raviloi stuff alright!

aside from any HFCS in the sauce, or breadcrumbs in the meat)

Yep ther is HFC in this raviloi stuff alright!

Im just trying to determine if corn is the WORST of all
carb sources.

No, processed wheat flour is.

That's interesting. Since starting LC back in April, I have totally forgotten
about sugar. I cheated for the first time last week, and it was with bread and
pasta. I never would have believed a sugar addict like me would not miss sugar
- but bread/pasta products.

Im just trying to determine if corn is the WORST of all
carb sources.

No, processed wheat flour is.

That's interesting. Since starting LC back in April, I have totally forgotten
about sugar. I cheated for the first time last week, and it was with bread and
pasta. I never would have believed a sugar addict like me would not miss sugar
- but bread/pasta products.

"DJ Delorie" wrote in message
...

writes:
Im just trying to determine if corn is the WORST of all
carb sources.

No, processed wheat flour is.
So, first give up PROCESSED carbs. If you need to go further, reduce
natural-source carbs.

It's interesting that you say this, and you may have pinpointed a problem I
have already noticed. I was diagnosed with diabetes (T2) in early June, and
I am now following the South Beach diet -- but, in addition, have used *no*
white flour, potatoes, rice, pasta, or added sugar since I started SB. I do
eat fruit (mostly berries and a limited amount of small apples and bananas).
SB permits whole wheat flour, but I have discovered that my blood sugar
spikes if I have even a single piece of whole wheat bread. I was puzzled
because I am able to have old-fashioned oatmeal for breakfast without any
problem, and my BG readings have been very good since I started on this
diet. As a result, I have now also eliminated products made with whole
wheat flour (in fact, any flour at all). I am doing very well on this
regimen, but I was left wondering *why* I had that reaction. I think you
may have answered the question. Thanks!

MaryL

"DJ Delorie" wrote in message
...

writes:
Im just trying to determine if corn is the WORST of all
carb sources.

No, processed wheat flour is.
So, first give up PROCESSED carbs. If you need to go further, reduce
natural-source carbs.

It's interesting that you say this, and you may have pinpointed a problem I
have already noticed. I was diagnosed with diabetes (T2) in early June, and
I am now following the South Beach diet -- but, in addition, have used *no*
white flour, potatoes, rice, pasta, or added sugar since I started SB. I do
eat fruit (mostly berries and a limited amount of small apples and bananas).
SB permits whole wheat flour, but I have discovered that my blood sugar
spikes if I have even a single piece of whole wheat bread. I was puzzled
because I am able to have old-fashioned oatmeal for breakfast without any
problem, and my BG readings have been very good since I started on this
diet. As a result, I have now also eliminated products made with whole
wheat flour (in fact, any flour at all). I am doing very well on this
regimen, but I was left wondering *why* I had that reaction. I think you
may have answered the question. Thanks!

MaryL

wrote in message
...
Ive been slowly learning abt low carb diets. Im not
exactly doing the Atkins diet tho. Just eating less
carbs. One thing Ive given up is the 3 a day Mt Dew
habit I had.

Having said all that Im slowly learning that modern day
car has been "hybridized" to be sweet and FULL of
carbs. True?

If yes.... could one go os far as to say that corn in
all form should be avoided as much as possible?

Bottom line.... a potato altho full of carbs may at
least have some other nutritional value to it? Whereas
eating a can or corn does nothing but give you TONS of
carbs?

Im trying to make a decision if corn is one item I
should quit eating all together... in ALL forms....
just as I gave up soda

Again...Im not really doing the Atkins diet....I still
eat fresh peaches, bananas, etc.

Im just trying to determine if corn is the WORST of all
carb sources.

Sugar is the worst carb. Looking to eliminate corn alone is kind of silly.
If you crave carbs, you'll just replace it with another one on the list you
like. Our bodies convert starch to sugar as soon as we chew it, and it
doesn't know any difference between a baked potato and a chocolate bar.
Sorry but this is the truth. If you really want to learn, you need to read
the book.

--
JK Sinrod
Sinrod Stained Glass Studios
www.sinrodstudios.com
Coney Island Memories
www.sinrodstudios.com/coneymemories