simple vs. complex carbohydrates

Macronutrients: Carbohydrates: Simple vs. Complex
Main source of energy for the body in form of glucose. What’s in a Carb? Carbs are made up of fiber, starch, and sugars.

• Diet consists of 35-50%
• 1 gram = 4 calories

Two Types: 
1. Simple Carbs: are sugars. While some of these occur naturally in milk, most of the simple carbs in the American diet are added to foods. Common simple carbs:

• raw sugar.
• brown sugar.
• corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup.
• glucose, fructose, and sucrose.
• fruit juice concentrate.

2. Complex Carbs: Key to long term health. Contain more nutrients than simple carbs, higher in fiber and digest more slowly. This also makes them more filling, which means they’re a good option for weight control. Ideal for people with type 2 diabetes because they help manage post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Two types: 
A. Fiber: promotes bowel regularity and helps to control cholesterol. Dietary fiber include:

• vegetables.
• nuts.
• beans.
• whole grains.
• fruits.

B. Starch: Starch is also found in some of the same foods as fiber. The difference is certain foods are considered more starchy than fibrous, such as potatoes. Other high-starch foods are:
- cereal.
- corn.
- oats.
- peas.
- rice.