They were regarded as dummies par excellence, they were demonized and (almost) banished from our plates: carbohydrates. Delicious side dishes such as pasta, bread, potatoes, but also sweets: All carry the bad carbohydrates, which allegedly hit the hip immediately and produce excess weight. One of the most popular diets of recent years is therefore the low carb diet, a quasi-waiver of carbohydrate foods, which are replaced by high-protein and high-fat foods such as meat, fish and cheese. Also, Paleo or Atkins diet swear on fast weight loss, if only please the evil carbohydrates please leave out.

Carbohydrates are healthier than you thought

So the popular opinion of recent years. But now scientists from the University of Sydney have managed to rehabilitate the noodle. Carbohydrates, according to the researchers in the journal Cell Metabolism, are far better than their reputation. What's more, they even help you lose weight.

This is how carbohydrates help you lose weight

For their experiment, the researchers developed for the experimental animals 25 different feeding plans, which differed in their shares of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Aim of her research: How does the diet affect the production of the legendary hormone FGF21 (Fibrolast Growth Factor 21)? FGF21 is also considered a "fountain of youth" hormone because it drives metabolism, reduces appetite and strengthens the immune system. However, it has not yet been possible to pinpoint what drives the increased release of this hormone. In their experiment, the scientists discovered stupefying: A carbohydrate-rich diet with few proteins leads to the highest release of FGF21 – regardless of whether the animals took too much or too little food. One of the authors of the study: "This has enabled us to prove that the diet has a decisive influence not only on our weight but also on our health – and that carbohydrates are even extremely important for a balanced diet." And we? Order an extra portion of pasta right now, yeah!