The World Health Organisation and the Food and Agricultural Organisation have been studying the role of carbohydrates (which include sugars and starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, rice and pasta) in our diet and how they affect our health. They conclude that a diet high in starchy carbohydrates and fibre helps protect against heart disease and bowel cancer.

Their report also states: There is no serious evidence to suggest that diets high in carbohydrate promote weight gain when consumed in amounts which do not exceed energy requirements. In fact, starchy and fibre rich foods can help you slim by filling you up without clocking up the calories of fatty foods. It is also harder to turn excess calories from carbohydrates into dietary fat. Experts say that more than half our daily calorie intake should come from carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are not sugary carbohydrates such as sweets and cakes, but starchy carbohydrates such as wholemeal bread, pasta, cereals, beans, lentils, potatoes and rice. With all of these carbohydrate foods it is better to consume them in a wholemeal state, such as brown rice and wholemeal pasta. They also recommend lots of fruit and vegetables. Remember, the government’s guideline of at least 5 x 4oz portions of fruit and vegetables in our diet each day.