Kinds of Carbs

Carbs, short for carbohydrates, are a source of energy found in grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy foods. Carbs supply your body with the glucose (sugar) it needs for energy. Extra glucose is stored in your muscles and liver as glycogen, your body's energy reserve. Carbs are divided into two types: simple and complex.



Simple carbohydrates are also called sugars. They taste sweet and are found in soda, cookies, candy, and other sugary foods. Some natural foods like fruits and fruit juices also have simple carbohydrates. Simple carbs are absorbed fast by the body and will give you quick energy. Some simple carb food choices, like cookies or candy, may give you quick energy, but don't provide many other needed nutrients. Having a piece of fruit can give you energy, as well as the many vitamins that your body needs.



Complex carbohydrates, also called starch, take longer to digest than simple carbs. Complex carbs are found in foods like corn, peas, rice, potatoes, pasta, breads, cereals, and whole wheat. Some complex carbs also have fiber, which allows them to be absorbed more slowly by your body. Fiber is found in whole grain breads (usually darker in color), bran-containing cereals (like Fiber One, All Bran and Raisin Bran), fruits, and vegetables. Eating fiber gives you a feeling of fullness so chances are you won't feel hungry in between meals.

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