Carbo Complexity

Carbohydrates.  Simply put, we need them in our diet to provide energy for exercise, the ability to think, digestion, and to breathe.  They are a important part of a essential and balanced diet.  Carbohydrates have two classifications; simple and complex.  The following information helped me better grasp how the classifications seperate themselves (literally) from eachother.


For starters, three basic elements including carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen make up every carbohydrate.  Depending on the way these three elements are arranged, the end result is either simple (sugars) or complex (fiber and starches).


Simple carbs consist of 1 or 2 sugar units per molecule -  a good example is a can of soda...loaded with simple "quick hitting" to the bloodstream sugar. The structure of sugar is chemically simple and carries that label appropriately.

YAM IT UP.

Complex carbs consist of many sugar units strung together - to form long, complex chains.  A good example is a sweet potatoe which is a great food choice for your diet and stacked with nutrients.  Vitamin A, C, iron, calcium, fiber, and even some protein are waiting above.

Complex carbs are the intelligent choice for your diet as they are more nutrient and energy dense.  They also release their sugars very slowly to the body and serve as a great source of energy.  Get bran cereals, brown rice, bananas, oatmeal, pastas and potatoes (sweet or not) on your next grocery list and add up some healthy sugar chains.


Stay simple and get complex.


DB