Carbohydrates are one of the three major kinds of foods, along with proteins and fats. Your saliva, stomach, and liver break down carbohydrates into glucose, which is the simplest type of sugar and the form in which sugar circulates in the bloodstream. This sugar gives your body’s cells the energy they need to function properly.

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Carbohydrates are either simple or complex, depending on how quickly your body digests them. Fruits, milk products, and refined sugar provide simple carbohydrates that are digested quickly. Whole grain breads and cereals, starchy vegetables, and legumes are made up of complex carbohydrates, which are digested slowly.

Foods like soda, candy, and cake, which contain refined carbohydrates such as white flour and added sugar, have high calorie counts and cause rapid changes in blood sugar. These are simple carbohydrates and are sometimes referred to as bad carbs. It’s a good idea to limit these food choices.

Generally, complex carbohydrates are healthier food options than simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, and some simple carbohydrates, including fruit and milk products, are sometimes referred to as good carbs, because they contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You should emphasize these nutrient-rich carbohydrates in your diet for optimal health.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  1. Your body either uses glucose immediately or stores it in your liver and muscles for later use.
  2. The term whole grains refers to grains that contain all the parts of the grain seed or kernel, including the dietary fiber and other important nutrients. Refined grains are produced when manufacturers process whole grains in ways that remove some of the dietary fiber, folic acid, and iron. Enriched grains are refined grains, such as white rice and white bread, that have had the folic acid and iron added back. Fortified grains are enriched grains that have extra nutrients added.
  3. Date sugar and dark brown sugars are good alternatives to white sugar, as they contain much higher levels of antioxidants.