What are carbohydrates? How do they operate in the body? You’ll find carbohydrates in many foods and they all have a useful purpose. When eaten, carbohydrates are transformed into simple sugars that fuel the body. These simple sugars travel in the bloodstream. With increased sugar levels, insulin is released by the pancreas. The insulin then transports sugar from the blood to the cells where it is used for energy.
Carbohydrates exist in two forms: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates, or simple sugars, are found in refined sugar like white sugar that everyone is familiar with. Fruits and milk also contain simple carbohydrates. While simple carbohydrates are present in many sweets, these carbohydrates don’t contain vitamins, fiber, and important nutrients like calcium that are found in more nutritious foods.
Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are called starches. Examples of starches are grain products like bread, crackers, pasta, and rice. Like simple carbohydrates, not all complex carbohydrate foods are good for the body so eat wisely. Refined grains like white flour and white rice have less nutrients and fiber since they have been processed. In contrast, unrefined grains still have vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help the digestive system work well.
When carbohydrates are easily absorbed (which happens with simple sugars), you get hungry quickly. If this process happens slowly as with whole grains, it will take a while before you feel hungry again. In summary, complex carbohydrates give the body long-lasting energy.
Because foods that have plenty of simple sugars can increase blood levels more quickly than others, researchers are currently studying whether these foods are responsible for some health conditions like diabetes and heart disease that affect millions of people all over the world. To play it safe, try limiting your intake of simple sugars like sweets and eat more complex carbohydrates found in vegetables, oatmeal, and whole-grain wheat bread. This will make you healthy and happy.
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