Foods high in carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet, since they provide
the body with glucose to support bodily functions and physical activity. However, the abusive
consumption of refined, simple, and low-quality carbohydrates has a direct implication on the
physical and mental pathophysiology. Then, carbohydrate consumption is postulated as a crucial
factor in the development of the main Western diseases of the 21st century. We conducted this
narrative critical review using MedLine (Pubmed), Cochrane (Wiley), Embase, and CinAhl databases
with the MeSH-compliant keywords: carbohydrates and evolution, development, phylogenetic,
GUT, microbiota, stress, metabolic health, consumption behaviors, metabolic disease, cardiovascular
disease, mental disease, anxiety, depression, cancer, chronic kidney failure, allergies, and asthma
in order to analyze the impact of carbohydrates on health. Evidence suggests that carbohydrates,
especially fiber, are beneficial for the well-being and growth of gut microorganisms and consequently
for the host in this symbiotic relationship, producing microbial alterations a negative effect on mental
health and different organic systems. In addition, evidence suggests a negative impact of simple
carbohydrates and refined carbohydrates on mood categories, including alertness and tiredness,
reinforcing a vicious circle. Regarding physical health, sugar intake can affect the development and
prognosis of metabolic disease, as an uncontrolled intake of refined carbohydrates puts individuals
at risk of developing metabolic syndrome and subsequently developing metabolic disease.
