Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are macronutrients, composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, and play a major role in providing the body with energy. As you eat carbs, the body converts these chemicals into simple sugars, and they are dissolved into your bloodstream. 

Carbs can be either simple or complex, depending on their chemical composition and consequence on your blood sugar levels. 

Simple Carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates, or sugars, are promptly broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. This quick rise in your blood sugar levels gives the rush that you might feel after consuming sugary products. Sweeteners such as sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose and lactose are instances of simple carbohydrates that cause this sharp spike in blood sugar levels. Fruit and dairy products include simple carbs, although they contain more vitamins and minerals than processed foods and are better dietary options than packaged foods.

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates, or starches, are broken down more gradually and cause a slow rise in your blood sugar levels. Instances of complex carbs take in seeds, bread, rice and other whole grain products. Complex carbs are usually high in fiber, a specific type of carb that helps digestive health and can help you feel full. Most vegetables are examples of complex carbs that also contain a high amount of fiber.

Two Types of Carbohydrates

There are two major types of carbohydrates (or carbs) in foods: simple and complex.

Simple carbohydrates:

These are also called simple sugars. Simple sugars are found in refined sugars, like the white sugar you'd find in a sugar bowl. If you have a lollipop, you're eating simple carbs. But you'll also find simple sugars in more nutritious foods, such as fruit and milk. It's better to get your simple sugars from food like fruit and milk.

Why? Because sugar isn't added to these foods and they also contain vitamins, fiber, and important nutrients like calcium. A lollipop has lots of added sugar and doesn't contain important nutrients.

Complex carbohydrates:

These are also called starches. Starches include grain products, such as bread, crackers, pasta, and rice. As with simple sugars, some complex carbohydrate foods are better choices than others. Refined (say: ree-find) grains, such as white flour and white rice, have been processed, which removes nutrients and fiber. But unrefined grains still contain these vitamins and minerals.

Unrefined grains also are rich in fiber, which helps your digestive system work well. Fiber helps you feel full, so you are less likely to overeat these foods. That explains why a bowl of oatmeal fills you up better than sugary candy with the same amount of calories as the oatmeal.

So which type of carbs should you eat? Both can be part of a healthy diet.