You’ve probably heard of simple carbs and complex carbs. This simply refers to the speed at which they are broken down, digested, and absorbed into your bloodstream. Simple carbs are fast-digesting and complex carbs are slow-digesting. Cereal, sugary snacks, rice, and fruit would be considered simple carbs, while foods like leafy green vegetables, whole grains, oats, and high-fiber carb sources would be considered more complex.
Carbohydrates often contain fiber. Fiber is very important for heart health, digestion, and controlling blood sugar. Foods that are higher in fiber will take longer to digest and will generally keep you full longer. The exact ranges vary from person to person based on factors like age, gender, and weight, but most people should aim to consume 25–40 grams of fiber per day.