Carbohydrates are essential for everyday life. Carbohydrates provide energy for your brain and for your body. They also help the body process fat and helps with smooth elimination (Digestion).

Types of Carbohydrates

• Sugar
• Starch
• Fiber

Simple Carbohydrates are composed of one or two sugars. Meaning they can be released and digested very quickly into the body which tends to spike the blood sugar.

These types of carbohydrates include refined sugars which have minimum nutritional value.

Examples

1. Honey
2. Corn Syrup (HFCS)
3. Maple Syrup
4. Candy
5. Soda
6. Fruit drinks

Complex Carbohydrates are composed of three or more sugars. In addition, they contain fiber, vitamins and minerals which is why they take much longer time to digest than simple carbohydrates/sugars.

Complex carbohydrates don’t cause a spike in blood sugar as quickly as Simple carbohydrates. However, they act as long-term fuel and contributes to energy production.

Examples

1. Teff
2. Wild Rice
3. Sweet Potatoes
4. Buckwheat
5. Lentils
6. Parsnips