What are simple and complex carbohydrates

Depending on the size of the molecule, carbohydrates may be simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates are various forms of sugar, such as glucose and fructose. Because they are small molecules, they can be broken down by the body quickly and …

http://www.you-on-a-diet.net/goodcarbs_badcarbs.php

They are a rough classification of sugars depending on the number of ’sugar units’. Bread and potatoes are thought of as ‘complex’ and fruit as ’simple’ (generally). There is a common myth that complex carbs give a more sustained energy but…

http://www.passionforhealth.org/nutrition-101-carbohydrates/

Simple carbohydrates are what are commonly known as sugars. These are sweet to the taste and are easily absorbed with little digestion. However the rapid absorption in to the blood rapidly increases the blood sugar levels. Insulin then help…

http://www.winsfordasc.co.uk/Nutrition.htm

Related Questions Answered on Y!Answers

What’s the difference between complex carbohydrates and simple sugars?

Q: Aren’t they basically the same and make you gain weight? Why do some people think complex carbohydrates or starches are good for you while simple sugars or simple carbohydrates are not?

A: Both have the same amount of calories (4 per gram of carbohydrate) but their nutritional value is very different. Complex carbohydrates are what you find in whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat, quinoa, etc), beans/legumes, vegetables. Complex carbohydrates are better for you, and are an essential part of your diet, because foods with complex carbs have high amounts of fiber in them, which improves digestion. Foods that are more digestible have their nutrients better absorbed into the body and give you better energy. Foods with complex carbohydrates also have more protein.Simple carbohydrates include fruit, which should be a part of your diet as well. Foods with lots of added sugar, like cake, candy, soda and honey, have little nutritional value and are likely to make you gain weight.Don’t be afraid of carbohydrates, your body needs them to function properly.

how to tell complex carbohydrates from simple carbohydrates?

Q: can anyone tell me how to tell complex from simple carbohydrates by looking at the nutritional content on the back of the package? i am NOT looking for a list of foods that have either complex or simple carbohydrates, i want to be able to tell on my own without referring to a list, like fruit has complex and white bread has simple carbs unless that is the ONLY way to tell. thanks for any help.

A: Simple carbohydrates are digested quickly. Many simple carbohydrates contain refined sugars and few essential vitamins and minerals. Examples include fruits, fruit juice, milk, yoghurt, honey, molasses and sugar. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest and are usually packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals. Examples are vegetables, breads, cereals, legumes and pasta. All this said, life isn’t that simple. Most of what you eat in the prepared foods line will be combinations of both. Simple carbs, ie sugars- will end with an -ose. But you also have to look at those labels for corn syrup solids, honey, etc. Those are simple carbs. Bread is mostly a complex carb, white or wheat. Most food you eat is a combination of the two things. But basically, if it tastes sweet, it probably has an abundance of simple carbs. If it doesn’t taste sweet, it will be a combo, and mostly complex. Hope this helps you distinguish between the two. Unfortunately, you still really need to look at the labels sometimes. If sugar leads the list, then most of the food will be simple carbs. Just remember the ingredients are listed in a descending order from what’s the most to the least.

what does simple carbohydrates help with and what does complex carbohydrates help with?

Q: what does simple carbohydrates help with and what does complex carbohydrates help with?

A: Simple carbs help create fat stores quickly & complex carbs help create fat stores slowly.All carbohydrates (even vegetables) are converted by the body into glucose (sugar) some is stored as glycogen & the unused excess is converted to fatty acids & stored in fat cells.Simple carbs are instantly converted to glucose (sugar) & complex carbs take longer to convert so slowly raise your blood glucose. Simple carbohydrates (sugar, flour, bread, cereal, pasta, potatoes, rice) trigger insulin which can store the calories eaten into fat.