Carbs After 40: Enemy or Ally?

Many women after 40 start fearing carbs, considering them the cause of excess weight. In reality, carbs aren't the enemy of your figure, but an important part of nutrition that helps maintain health, energy, and hormonal balance.

🔹 Why carbs are so important

"The problem isn't with carbs, but with their quality" — confirmed by JAMA Network Open research from 2024.

1. Hormonal changes

After 40, estrogen levels decline. This affects metabolism and insulin function. Quality carbs help:

• maintain stable blood sugar levels;
• reduce mood swings;
• sustain energy throughout the day (PMC, 2021).

2. Energy for brain and muscles

The brain feeds on glucose, while muscles use carbs as fuel. Their deficiency = fatigue, decreased concentration, and accelerated muscle mass loss (sarcopenia).

👉 Regular carb intake helps with training and maintaining activity (FamilyDoctor.org).

3. Healthy aging

Long-term studies showed: women consuming more whole carbs and fiber suffer less from chronic diseases and maintain high quality of life longer (JAMA Network Open, 2024).

4. Digestive support

Fiber from vegetables, fruits, and grains improves gut function, helps control appetite, and reduces cardiovascular disease risk (BMC Women's Health, 2025).

🔹 "Good" and "bad" carbs

🔹 Conclusion

After 40, carbs aren't forbidden — they're necessary.

They:

• support hormonal balance,
• provide energy for brain and muscles,
• slow age-related changes,
• help control weight.

The key is choosing the right sources and not confusing beneficial carbs with empty calories.