HEALTH buffs are very much conscious about carbohydrates. But not all carbo can ruin your health or figure.

A recent study showed that some carbohydrates are friendly and are considered age-defying. Scientists believe that eating more whole grains might help you  live longer. They suspect that the fiber in grains reduces the  risk of dying from cardiovascular, respiratory and infectious diseases.

What are these heart-friendly carbos?


* Oatmeal. Eat oatmeal for breakfast. The fiber in oats is the soluble kind that is associated with heart health and it will help you feel fuller for longer.

* Whole-grain pasta. Have whole-grain pasta dishes for dinner. For more staying power, supplement it with veggies, beans and sometimes a lean source of protein, like chicken.

* Popcorn. This is not only good while watching movies, Three cups of popped popcorn equals one of your three recommended daily servings of whole grains and contains three grams of fiber. Gram for gram, according to the recent research at the University of Scranton, popcorn boasts three times more polyphenols, an antioxidants linked to improving heart health and also to reducing cancer risk than kidney beans and four times more than cranberries.