Complex and Simple Carbohydrates
A lot people are confused about the differences between complex and simple carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are one of the three main staples of a healthy diet. The other two would be protein and fat. Carbohydrates provide most of the energy needed in our daily routines, for normal body functions and all types of exercise.
There are basically two types, complex and simple carbohydrates. They differentiate based upon their chemical structure and both types contain four calories per gram. Protein also contains 4 calories per gram while fat contains 9 calories per gram. Both types of carbohydrates digested into a blood sugar called glucose, which is then used as fuel for our bodies.
Over the last few years, simple carbohydrates have become known as bad carbs, while complex carbs have been specified as the good carbohydrates. This assumption is based more hoopla than science.
Simple carbohydrates are digested quickly in your body. Many simple carbohydrates contain refined sugars and few essential vitamins and minerals. Some examples would be fruits, fruit juice, milk, maple syrup, molasses and sugar.
Complex carbohydrates on the other hand will take longer to digest and are normally contain large amounts of fiber, minerals and vitamins. Some examples would be vegetables, breads, cereals, potatoes and whole wheat pasta.
Your diet should include 40% of your calories form complex and simple carbohydrates. The bulk of the carbohydrates should come from complex carbohydrates. The simple ones should come from fruits and milk (Should we even be consuming milk as adults) or yogurt, which also contain vitamins and minerals. If your going to drink fruit juices make sure it is 100% real juice.
Avoid getting your carbohydrates from refined foods high in sugar, since they are usually low in nutrients that we need to maintain health and energy levels. There are also quite often referred to as empty calories.
