What are simple and complex carbohydrates?
The answer to this questions will really help you understand how to fuel your body properly. The difference between simple and complex is the molecule structure, simple are made up of 1-2 molecules and are mainly sugars. Where as complex tends to be chains of molecules which usually take longer to break down and are mainly starch and fibres. They say complex carbohydrates are better for you, however it depends which ones you have and how many of them.
The answer to this questions will really help you understand how to fuel your body properly. The difference between simple and complex is the molecule structure, simple are made up of 1-2 molecules and are mainly sugars. Where as complex tends to be chains of molecules which usually take longer to break down and are mainly starch and fibres. They say complex carbohydrates are better for you, however it depends which ones you have and how many of them.
Simple carbohydrates include:
- raw sugar
- brown sugar
- corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup
- glucose, fructose, and sucrose
- fruit juice concentrate
Complex carbohydrates include:
- fruits
- vegetables
- nuts
- beans
- corn
- bread
- cereal
- pasta
- oats
- peas
- rice
However, complex carbohydrates can include bread, pasta and rice. If you want to eat the healthiest bread you should be eating the whole meal bread, not white or even brown. Whole meal is the healthiest. The science behind this is all to do with how the bread is made. But that is another story. (Comment if you want to know about this).
In conclusion the difference between the two types of carbohydrates is rate at which it releases energy in your body, or glycemic load. The glycemic load tells you how quickly the food will raise your blood sugar level after eating it, to then which the glucose in your blood must turn into glycogen. This links back to my last post about the glycogen stored in your liver and muscles. The chemical your body must burn off, otherwise it will turn into fat, if it hasn't been used.
Not to confuse you any further but carbohydrates which are higher in fibre a lot better for you then carbohydrates high in sugar. The fibre goes straight to your stomach and doesn't enter your blood stream as it isn't sugar.
In conclusion the difference between the two types of carbohydrates is rate at which it releases energy in your body, or glycemic load. The glycemic load tells you how quickly the food will raise your blood sugar level after eating it, to then which the glucose in your blood must turn into glycogen. This links back to my last post about the glycogen stored in your liver and muscles. The chemical your body must burn off, otherwise it will turn into fat, if it hasn't been used.
Not to confuse you any further but carbohydrates which are higher in fibre a lot better for you then carbohydrates high in sugar. The fibre goes straight to your stomach and doesn't enter your blood stream as it isn't sugar.
I hope all of this makes sense, if not I would suggest reading my blog post on carbohydrates first.
Information references:
http://www.superskinnyme.com/types-of-carbohydrates.html
http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/101/nutrition-basics/good-carbs-bad-carbs.aspx
Information references:
http://www.superskinnyme.com/types-of-carbohydrates.html
http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/101/nutrition-basics/good-carbs-bad-carbs.aspx
Thank you very much for reading!
Do not hesitate to leave any questions below in the comments!
By Cupcake Tea Break :)
Do not hesitate to leave any questions below in the comments!
By Cupcake Tea Break :)
