The Basics of Carbohydrates

Carbs are a necessary part of your diet.

Benefits Carbs give your body energy. They promote bowel health. High fiber diets reduce the risk for diabetes and prevent weight gain. They increase brain function.
Most of the carbs in your diet should come from fiber rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Most adults in the US get their carbs from white bread, soft drinks, sugars, cakes, and potatoes. Simple Carbohydrates Sugars Glucose: Blood Sugar Fructose: Found in fruits Galactose:Combines with glucose to form lactose Lactose: Found in milk and milk products Sucrose: Table sugar Maltose: Found in beer Complex Carbohydrate Starch Starch is the storage form of glucose in plants. It is digestible. It is found in potatoes, beans, bread, pasta, and rice Get your carbs from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Resources: 1. Byrd-Bredbenner, C., Beshgetoor, D., Moe, G., & Berning, J. (2009). Perspectives in Nutrition, 8. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill By: Megan Weltmeyer, Emily Urban, and Camille Range

Complex Carbohydrate Fiber

A high fiber diet reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes. Fiber can be digestible and indigestible. Digestible fiber can be found in fruits, oats, and legumes. Indigestible fiber can be found in the skins of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.