Carbs basics: They're everywhere

With all the news about the "Low Carbohydrate" diet it would good to know what a carbohydrate actually is and if it’s OK to cut them out of your diet. Carbohydrates are the most abundant biological molecules, and fill numerous roles in living things, such as the storage and transport of energy (starch, glycogen). Carbohydrates and their derivatives play major roles in the functioning of the immune system, fertilization, pathogenesis, blood clotting, and development. (Thanks, Wikipedia.)

Most people think carbohydrates only come from foods such as bread, rice and pasta. While it’s true these are carb-producing foods -- and can be partially or completely cut out of your diet -- fruits, vegetables and salads also pack carbohydrates. Keep eating them! In fact, they should be eaten in abundance.