Ok, here it is. Technically, we don't need carbs. Whatever that means, it is what it is. Carbs are a non-essiential macronutrient.
We need some vitamins, minerals and what not as well as protein and fat. We don't need carbs. Some of those vitamins and minerals come from plants, which have, as we say in the biz, trace carbs and fiber.
When I'm cutting down for a photoshoot I go keto. I might not have a veggie for weeks. My bloods and panels all look fine. I mostly eat veggies b/c I feel bad for not eating them.
I do take a multivit every day and I'm eating plenty of fat which helps the colon move things along.
When I'm gaining muscle, I do eat carbs. Lots of carbs. But we don't need carbs.
Do you have any science to back up this bold claim?
And what are you claiming carbohydrates are? Simplex and complex carbohydrates - sugars and starches?
It seems like you're saying that we don't need carbs, but that eating a diet with no carbs means we lose out on all those foods that have other useful nutrients (ie green vegetables). So, we tend to eat diets that have carbs to get the other benefits. Is that right?
As I said elsewhere in this discussion: "I feel like all the simple answers in nutrition are BS and the only short answer is 'it's complex.'"