What are complex carbohydrates?

Readers should expect to understand what complex carbohydrates are and the health benefits they offer after reading this article.

Subtitle 1: What are Complex Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients our body uses as a source of energy and for various bodily functions. There are two types of carbohydrates, simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates include sugars such as fructose, lactose and sucrose, and are called simple because they are broken down and digested in the small intestine quickly. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, require more time and energy to digest and are also referred to as starches.

Complex carbohydrates, which are sometimes called polysaccharides, are made from repeating sugar molecules and are found in various plant-based foods like grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables. They include items such as pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, potatoes, lentils, and beans.

Subtitle 2: Health Benefits of Eating Complex Carbohydrates

Eating complex carbohydrates is beneficial to human health due to its high fiber and nutrient content. Fiber helps bolster digestive health and helps to reduce cholesterol levels. Additionally, complex carbohydrates are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. These nutrients help protect your cells, which makes them an essential part of a healthy diet.

Apart from essential nutrients, complex carbohydrates are jam-packed with energy, which is an important part of a well balanced diet. Eating complex carbohydrates can help increase your energy levels throughout the day and can help to keep you alert and energized.

Complex carbohydrates are also known for their lower glycemic index. The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food raises the blood sugar levels. Foods with a lower glycemic index are less likely to cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which is important for avoiding diabetes.

Subtitle 3: How to Incorporate More Complex Carbohydrates into Your Diet

As mentioned, complex carbohydrates are found in many plant-based foods. Incorporating more of these foods into your diet can help you enjoy the many health benefits complex carbohydrates offer. Some simple ways of getting more complex carbohydrates into your diet include:

-Making sure to use brown rice, oats, or quinoa instead of white rice
-Adding cooked beans or lentils to your meals
-Choosing whole grain bread over white bread
-Adding more starchy vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes to your meals
-Swapping sugary snacks with whole grain crackers or popcorn.

By incorporating more of these complex carbohydrates into your diet, you can enjoy the many health benefits they have to offer.