Carbohydrates (also known as Carbs in short) are organic compounds of carbon and oxygen, that are digested, absorbed, and broken down in tissues into water and carbon dioxide. They provide your body with energy to function properly and stay healthy. Carbs consist of fibers, sugars, and starches. When you take in carbohydrates your body breaks down the nutrients to glucose for energy. 

It is important to know how Carbs work in your body. The consumption of too many carbohydrates rich foods may be detrimental to your health, such as excess fat storage may cause obesity and high blood pressure. 

When thinking of what Carbs are beneficial to your diet, consider complex Carbs. 

What is the difference between simple carbs and complex carbs? 

Simple carbs– Well, sugars are simple carbs that can be digested much more quickly than complex carbs. These Simple carbs are converted into glucose extremely fast and making your blood sugar levels high. Easy way to get anergy right? When blood sugars are high, then drop lower than they are supposed to, this leaves you tired, inactive, and the rest is stored as fats. Examples of foods rich in simple carbs are sodas, ice-cream, chocolate, white bread, white pasta, cakes, pastries, packaged cereals, and other packaged baked goods. 

Complex carbs- There are two types of complex carbohydrates which are starch and fiber. Complex carbs have more nutrients compared to simple carbs, since they contain more fiber and are digested slowly. It also makes complex carbohydrates more filling which indicates that they are a better option to control weight. Complex carbs are converted to glucose for energy and help your body fight common health issues such as high cholesterol, high or low blood sugar levels, and various heart diseases. 

Major sources of dietary fiber – Vegetables, nuts, fruits, whole grains, and Beans 

Major sources of high starch -cereals, Wheat bread, corn, and oats. 

Too much of a good thing can also be a bad thing, right? That’s why you should be able to limit your daily intake of both simple and complex carbs. Again, a balanced diet is the best diet. 

Here is an example of what to substitute (sub) in your diet 

• Fruits – sub for candy 

• Nuts – sub for processed snacks 

• Asiago, mozzarella, provolone – sub for processed cheeses 

• Shellfish – sub for any main course 

• Cauliflower crust – sub for pizza dough and other grains 

• Dark chocolate – sub for milk chocolate and other sweets 

You can also track your carb intake by reading nutritional labels and doing research on how your body type reacts and burns carbohydrates.