Cartoon character Homer Simpson was onto a good thing - doughnuts, his favourite food, are good for you.

A U.S. obesity expert recently found that a diet made up of starch and sugar is healthy.

University of Virginia obesity expert Glenn Gaesser said: "I found, totally contrary to current nutritional thinking, carbohydrates are not fattening," the professor said.

"In fact, just the opposite," he added. "There is no reason to be eating fewer carbs -- they're not the enemy."

Cartoon character Homer Simpson was onto a good thing - doughnuts, his favourite food, are good for you.

A U.S. obesity expert recently found that a diet made up of starch and sugar is healthy.

University of Virginia obesity expert Glenn Gaesser said: "I found, totally contrary to current nutritional thinking, carbohydrates are not fattening," the professor said.

"In fact, just the opposite," he added. "There is no reason to be eating fewer carbs -- they're not the enemy."