Carbohydrates provide our muscles with fuel and they are our most efficient way of receiving energy. They are mainly divided into two groups: simple carbohydrates, and complex carbohydrates.

Simple carbohydrates (including fruit and sweets, fizzy drinks and chocolates) are the most basic form of sugar and provide a quick, short energy burst that doesn’t last. They only add extra calories and not many nutrients.

Foods higher in carbohydrates include ones that provide dietary fibre and whole grains as well as those without added sugars. Natural food sources of carbohydrates include grains (rice, cereal); fruits (apples, oranges, bananas); starchy vegetables (peas, potatoes, corn); and dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt). To understand the functioning and role of carbohydrates, it is very important to know its types.

The two vary nutritionally, and are broken down in different ways during digestion. Read More…