Carbohydrates supply the body with energy for physical activity and essential body functions. Carbohydrates found in grains, beans and vegetables make up the bulk of a healthy diet. Some carbohydrates are healthier than other, and some are just plain unhealthy if you eat too many of them.
Carbohydrates
Each carbohydrate molecule is made up of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms. These are all combined in units called glucose, which is a simple sugar. Larger carbohydrate molecules are described as "complex" and are usually considered healthier than simple sugars.
Sugar
Sucrose and fructose, common sugars used in cooking and processed foods, are unhealthy as a regular source of carbohydrate energy. These are simple sugars like glucose that, because of their small molecular structure, are digested to quickly to provide long lasting energy.
Fiber
Dietary fiber is a carbohydrate with a molecular structure too large for the human body to digest. Non-digestible dietary fiber is a healthy carbohydrate that slows the absorption of other carbohydrate energy in the digestive tract, so that the body receives an even supply of energy.
Refined Carbohydrates
Refined grain carbohydrates and white rice have been depleted of most their natural fiber content, so their carbohydrate energy is absorbed quickly, much like simple sugars. They are relatively unhealthy compared to whole grains.
Weight
If the energy your body gets from simple sugars and refined flour carbohydrates is not used immediately, it is stored as body fat. If you are not very physically active, they are more likely to contribute to unhealthy weight gain.
Tags: simple sugars, carbohydrate energy, healthier than, molecular structure