Simple Carbohydrates vs. Complex Carbohydrates
Article Sources
- 1. ’Carbohydrates.’ Cleveland Clinic. www.my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15416-carbohydrates
- 2. Kandola A. ‘What to know about simple and complex carbs.’ Medical News Today. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325171
- 3. Holesh J; Aslam S; Martin A. ‘Physiology, Carbohydrates.’ National Institutes of Health. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459280/
- 4. ’Glycemic index for 60+ foods.’ Harvard Health Publishing. www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/glycemic-index-and-glycemic-load-for-100-foods
What Are Complex Carbohydrates?
Complex carbohydrates contain three or more glucose molecules, take longer to digest and raise blood sugar gradually. They're found in fruits, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains and brown rice, to name just a few.3Holesh J; Aslam S; Martin A. ‘Physiology, Carbohydrates.’ National Institutes of Health. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459280/
Starches and fiber are also complex carbohydrates. Starches contain many glucose molecules. In this category are wheat, potatoes, beans and pasta. Fiber is a carbohydrate form that isn't digested but acts as a stool bulking agent and encourages healthy bacterial growth in the intestines, reducing inflammation.2Kandola A. ‘What to know about simple and complex carbs.’ Medical News Today. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325171
