What are Carbohydrates

What are Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates (“Carbs”) are important in our daily life and this is available in our everyday diet. Carbohydrates are one of the main sources of energy to the body. Body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose that your blood carries to the cells to produce energy.

Carbohydrates are simple or complex, depending on their chemical structure. Simple carbs are available in food naturally like fruits, vegetables, milk, and breakfast cereal. Complex carbs are whole grain breads, starchy vegetables, and legumes.

Simple Carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates are easily digestible and absorbable by the body. Simple carbohydrates convert glucose vey quickly. This is the reason simple carbs are known as bad carbohydrates because the quick breakdown of glucose cause blood sugar to spike up. So, knowing which food to eat can play a role in maintaining your overall health. Simple carbs are high in calories, low in nutrients and low in fiber.

Simple carbs to avoid are in processed foods and those with added sugar. Adding of sugar to food increases its calories without providing any nutrition.

Such foods are:

• Sugar foods
• Fruit juice concentrate
• Products with added sugar
• Candies
• Cereals

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates take time digest by the body. Complex carbs take time to breakdown into glucose and good for overall health. Complex carbs are moderate in calories, high in nutrients, high in fiber are considered as good carbohydrates.

Such foods are:

• Oats
• Sweet potatoes
• White potatoes
• Brown rice
• Pumpkin
• Beets
• Nuts

Uses of Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are source of energy essential to carrying out normal function of body such as growth, movement, and metabolism.
• Carbs a are important in hormonal regulation in the body. 
• Carbs are broken down into glucose which provides the raw energy and that used immediately or stored in the muscles for later use.
• Simple carbs such as sugar and white flour are high in calories and low nutrients and are poor source for energy production.      
• Complex carbs like whole grain, vegetables and fruits provide a balance of calories and nutrients.
• Balancing carbohydrates can improve good mental health.
• Carbohydrates plays main role in fat loss and weight gain when used accordingly.