What Are Carbohydrates?

Every person should know what are carbohydrates. It is a mix of sugars and starches that offer energy to the human body as well as animals. Also it offers its nutrients to the cellulose that help build plant structures. In short it is called as carbs in modern days and carries both blessings and curse due to several facts.

The process of food production has changed in modern days and also the way of consumption has been changed. This results into good or bad outcome from carbs. There are two types of carbohydrates which are commonly termed as simple which referred to monosaccharides and complex referred to polysaccharides.

Types of Carbohydrates

• Simple or Monosaccharides
• Complex or Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates that are found commonly in dairy products and fruits are called as simple carbs which are much easily digested by the body. The body then breaks down the simple carbs so can be used as energy. Yet, it is used very quickly. They are also found in refined or processed foods which include pastas, white sugar and white bread.

Polysaccharides on the other hand take longer duration for the body to digest. They are commonly found in vegetables as cellulose, brown rice, whole grain breads, pasta, and legumes. Foods that include unrefined grains like brown rice contain complex carbohydrates which take time to digest. On the other hand, white rice or processed rice is easily digested, so energy is quickly offered to the body. It is simple to differentiate. White rice which is refined in process is an output where some of the nutrients and fiber of grains are removed. This results into fast digestion.

To get long lasting energy, one should consider eating whole grain cereal like oatmeal. It fills up the stomach and gives instant and longer lasting energy, more than a bowl of sugary cereal. If the body generates more glucose then it will be stored in liver and muscle cells in the form of glycogen which is used later when the body requires extra energy. The leftover glycogen which is not stored in liver and muscle cells is called as fat. For proper functioning of the body, certain amount of carbs is need. Insufficient intake of carbs can cause fatigue, poor mental function and muscle cramps. Carbs are important to consume as the body needs energy all the time, which it can take from proteins and fat as well but for shorter duration.