Carbohydrates And Nutrition

Carbohydrates are macronutrients - foods we need to eat in reasonably large quantities. The two other macronutrients are protein and fat. Carbs are easily converted to energy by the body, so they supply most of our energy needs. There are basically two main types of carbohydrate: simple carbs and Complex carbs - although this classification of carb-types has been superceded by the Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL). Simple carbs are sugars, like glucose, fructose and lactose. Common sources are table sugar (sucrose), boiled sweets, syrups and honey. Complex carbs are either starches, or indigestible dietary fiber. Common sources of starches include Rice, Pasta, bread, beans and some Vegetables. Common sources of dietary fiber are Fruits, vegetables, beans, and the indigestible parts of wholegrains like wheat bran and oatbran. Complex carbohydrates are rich in micronutrients like: Vitamins, Minerals and Phytochemicals. About 55% of the carbohydrates we eat are starchy complex carbs, about 5% are dietary fiber (another type of complex carb) and about 40% are sugary simple carbs.