Our bodies need a certain amount of carbohydrates in order to have the energy to function. There are two types of carbs; simple and complex. Each of these are very different and provide energy to the body in different ways. They both occur in both natural and processed foods. Understanding the difference between these two sources of energy are very important.
All About Complex Carbs
1. What They Are
Complex carbohydrates are made up of many different molecules of sugar. They form together and form a fiber or starch and resemble a long chain. These are considered “good” carbs because it takes longer for the body to break them down.
2. Benefits
Complex carbs are a source of dietary fiber, this means that they are an essential nutrient for the digestive system. They help to push food through and aid in eliminating waste products. Increased energy and brain function is another benefit of complex carbs, this is because they take longer to convert to energy, but release more of it over a longer period of time.
3. Examples
Some examples of complex carbohydrates include :
Soy Beans
Brown Rice
Corn
Skim Milk
Wheat
Grapefruit
Carrots
Peas
Quinoa
Oats
Facts About Simple Carbs
1. Overview
Sugars occur naturally in both natural and artificial foods, but our bodies cannot tell the difference where they come from. The only difference is the way out body breaks them down. Simple carbohydrates include one unit sugar makeups (monosaccharides) and two sugar unit (disaccharides). They include glucose and fructose, which are absorbed directly and do not require the aid of enzymes like compelx carbs do.
2. Effects
Simple carbs give you a quick boost of energy, because the body converts them into energy very quickly. This also means that the energy doesn’t last as long. This is the cause of a “sugar crash”. When the body recognizes the sugar it releases insulin in order to regulate the blood sugar levels. It often releases too much and can result in low blood sugar after the energy from the simple carbs have been depleted.
3. Examples
Simple carbohydrates occur in many natural and processed foods, here are some examples:
Candy
Soda
Kiwi
Ice Cream
White Bread
Cookies
Jam
Fruit Juices
Differences Between Complex and Simple Carbs
1.Energy
Complex and simple carbohydrates both offer energy for the body but the amount and length that this energy lasts is very different. Simple carbohydrates are converted into energy much quicker, but last for a significantly less amount of time. Complex carbs are harder for the body to convert to energy and the result is energy being released over a longer period of time.
2. The Crash
The effect of the energy that is provided from each of these carbs is also different. Simple carbs provide an energy “rush” that also results in a crash. This crash makes you feel lethargic and sleepy and can also give you a headache. Complex carbs release energy over a longer period of time, so you do not get the “high” that simple carbs will give you, but instead you will feel more energized for a longer period of time.
3. Makeup
Simple carbohydrates are only made up of one to two units of sugar molecules, which is why they are referred to as simple. Complex carbs are made up of multiple different sugar molecules, which resemble a long chain.