What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates come in two forms: Simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.
1. Simple carbohydrates are also known as simple sugars. They are found in refined sugars, such as honey, fruit juices, confectionery, table sugar, and milk.
2. Complex carbohydrates are also known as starches. Starches include grain products such as bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, and wholegrain cereals. Both types of carbohydrate can be part of a healthy diet.

Carbohydrate as a nutrient

Carbohydrates are efficiently converted to glucose, making them the most common source of energy found in food. They provide energy for daily activities as well as fuel for sport and exercise. Your brain, nervous system and heart need a constant supply of carbohydrate in order to function properly. If the diet is low in carbohydrate, a greater percentage of dietary protein is used to provide glucose, which means less is available for the growth and repair of body tissues. At least half the energy in our diets should come from carbohydrate, mostly from complex carbohydrates.

How the body uses carbohydrates

When you eat carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into simple sugars. These sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream. As the sugar rises in your body, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin is needed to move sugar from the blood into the cells, where the sugar can be used as a source of energy.

What foods contain carbohydrate?

Foods high in carbohydrates include breads, pastas, beans, potatoes, bran, rice and cereals.