Carbohydrates are the main source of energy that humans need to maintain good health and proper brain function.

Health and nutrition authorities worldwide recommend getting between 45% and 65% of one’s total daily energy from carbohydrates. For most people, this equates to roughly 225 to 325 grams of carbohydrates daily, which provide 900 to 1,300 calories in a food plan of 2,000 calories per day.

Contrary to some popular beliefs, carbohydrates do not cause the body to produce or store fat. Consuming too many calories from any source (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, or alcohol) contributes to weight gain when calorie intake exceeds spending. All nutrients provide calories and have the same possibility of causing weight gain when the caloric balance is excessive. However, in a varied diet with appropriate levels of carbohydrates, excess calories from fats are converted to body fat before the extra calories from carbohydrates are.

Ref. Duyff, Roberta Larson. Academy Of Nutrition And Dietetics Complete Food And Nutrition Guide, 5th Ed (pp. 1138-1139). HarperCollins