Complex & Simple Carbohydrate Sources

The subject of today’s blog is going to be a very quick and simple one to understand. The topic today is What is the difference between complex and simple carbohydrates? That’s right people, there are two different types of carbohydrates out there. But first, what is a carbohydrate? A carbohydrate is a common source of energy in the human diet, but it is not an essential nutrient. Without carbohydrates, your body would simply rely on your intake of fats and proteins as a source of energy. So in essence, you cannot have a low fat, low carbohydrate diet because your body will only rely on protein, which the body needs to grow and sustain life, as a source of energy.

The two different types of these carbohydrates are very simply defined for the every day person, and they are simple, and complex. First I will go over the complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are high-fiber foods, which improve your digestion. They help stabilize the blood sugar, keep your energy at an even level, and help you feel satisfied longer after your meal. Many examples of foods in which are considered complex carbohydrates are Spinach, Whole Barley, Grapefruit, Turnip Greens, Buckwheat, Apples, Lettuce, Buckwheat Bread, Prunes, Water Cress, Oat Bran Bread, Apricots, Dried Zucchini, Oatmeal, Pears, Asparagus, Oat Bran Cereal, Plums, Artichokes, Museli, Strawberries, Okra, Wild Rice, Oranges, Cabbage, Brown rice, Yams, Celery, Multi-grain bread, Carrots, Cucumbers, Pinto Beans, Potatoes, Dill Pickles, Low-Fat Yogurt, Soybeans, Radishes, Skim Milk, Lentils, Broccoli, Navy Beans, Garbanzo Beans, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Kidney Beans, Eggplant, Soy Milk, Onions, Whole Meal Spelt Bread, and Split Peas.

Next, we have the simple carbohydrates, which are more refined, are usually found in foods with fewer nutrients, and tend to be less satisfying and more fattening. Examples of simple carbohydrates include Table Sugar, Corn Syrup, Fruit Juice, Candy, Cake, White Bread, White Pasta, Soda, and Most packaged cereals. An over-consumption of sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and other highly refined carbohydrates has been associated with a higher incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even breast cancer. Eating refined carbohydrates can over time result in almost uncontrollable sugar cravings. According to the World Health Organization, sugars and other simple carbohydrates are a leading factor in the worldwide obesity epidemic.

So as you can see, to better your overall quality of life you must stay away from the simple carbohydrates and include more complex carbohydrates into your diet. Yes, fruits and vegetables can be pricey in the supermarket, but if it means adding a few years to the end of your life, why not spend the extra couple of dollars? A bigger issue is staying away from the soda, because you can eat all the fruits and vegetables you want in life, but if you’re still drinking soda at the end of the day, you are adding empty calories as well as taking away from your overall quality of life.