what is the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are divided into two types, simple and complex. The classification is based on the chemical structure and reflects how quickly sugar is digested and absorbed.
Simple carbohydrates are also called simple sugars and are chemically made of one or two sugars. A simple sugar can be just what the name implies, the sugar in your sugar bowl. Things like candy, syrups, and soda pop are also straightforward examples of simple carbs. They are absorbed quickly -- just think how fast sugar-based candy melts in your mouth.
Simple carbs also include foods such as fruit and milk. These are better sources of simple carbs because they contain vitamins and fiber, and also important nutrients that your body needs, like calcium.
Complex carbohydrates are also known as starches and are made of three or more linked sugars. Grains such as bread, pasta, oatmeal and rice are complex carbs, as well as some vegetables like broccoli, corn legumes such as kidney beans and chick peas. They take the longest to digest.
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Simple and complex carbohydrates are two different types of carbohydrates that differ in their chemical structure and how the body digests and absorbs them.
1. Simple carbohydrates: Simple carbohydrates are made up of one or two sugar molecules, also known as monosaccharides and disaccharides, respectively. They are quickly broken down and digested by the body, leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Foods that contain simple carbohydrates include sugar, honey, fruit juices, candy, and white bread.
To identify simple carbohydrates in a food product, you can read the nutrition label and look for ingredients such as sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, glucose, fructose, or sucrose.
2. Complex carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates, also called polysaccharides, are made up of long chains of sugar molecules. They take longer to break down during digestion, resulting in a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream. Foods that contain complex carbohydrates include whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits.
To recognize complex carbohydrates in a food product, you can again check the nutrition label and look for ingredients like whole wheat, oats, brown rice, or whole grain.
Differentiating between simple and complex carbohydrates is important because their impact on the body differs. Simple carbohydrates, with their quick digestion and high sugar content, can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and have negative effects on health if consumed in excess. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, provide a more sustained release of energy, fiber, and other nutrients.
If you have a specific food item and want to determine whether it contains simple or complex carbohydrates, you can examine its ingredients list or utilize nutritional databases or apps, which provide detailed information on food composition.