Carbohydrates: Simple vs Complex

Carbohydrates are the body’s most important and readily available source of energy. They’re a necessary part of a healthy diet for both kids and adults.

I have heard that there are 2 main forms of carbs, simple vs complex, so what is the huge difference between them?

The two main forms of carbs are:

• Simple carbohydrates (or simple sugars): including fructose, glucose, and lactose, which also are found in nutritious whole fruits
• Complex carbohydrates (or starches): found in foods such as starchy vegetables, whole grains, rice, and breads and cereals.

So how does the body process carbs and sugar?

All carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. As the sugar level rises, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin, which is needed to move sugar from the blood into the cells, where the sugar can be used as energy. The carbs in some foods (mostly those that contain simple sugars and highly refined grains, such as white flour and white rice) are easily broken down and cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly. Complex carbs (found in whole grains), on the other hand, are broken down more slowly, allowing blood sugar to rise gradually. A diet that’s high in foods that cause a rapid rise in blood sugar may increase a person’s risk of developing health problems like diabetes.