Simple Carbohydrates and Examples
In nutrition, a person receives the most important substances that allow the body to function. Nutrients are converted into energy and serve as an engine for the body’s work. One such nutrient is sugar, which enters the organism and is processed during the carbohydrates (Bonewit-West & Hunt, 2019).
However, it is vital to separate simple carbohydrates from complex carbohydrates. A peculiarity of simple carbohydrates is that the body accepts only one or two sugar units (Bonewit-West & Hunt, 2019). This process occurs when a person consumes, for example, honey. The rapid absorption of these sugars also describes simple carbohydrates.
Complex Carbohydrates and Example
In contrast to simple carbohydrates, their complex version assumes opposite processes. During this, the body receives many sugars from food simultaneously, which affects not only the blood glucose level but also the rate of absorption of nutrients (Bonewit-West & Hunt, 2019). Potatoes are an example of a food with complex carbohydrates. Due to the higher amount of sugar units, the energy produced by the body lasts longer, and blood sugar levels are less susceptible to spikes.
Most Popular Type of Carbohydrates
Between these two types of carbohydrates, people use complex carbohydrates the most. This conclusion is based on the fact that multiple-unit sugar chains are found in more common foods than single- or double-compound foods, as with simple carbohydrates (Bonewit-West & Hunt, 2019). Examples of foods that contain complex carbohydrates are potatoes, rice, bread, pasta, and others (Bonewit-West & Hunt, 2019). Consequently, people are more likely to consume food with healthier types of carbohydrates, which will be proven in the following paragraph.
The Healthier Type of Carbohydrate
Of two types, complex carbohydrates are healthier for people. This method of metabolizing beneficial substances has many advantages over simple carbohydrates. Because sugar takes much longer to digest, it allows a person to gain energy for longer.
According to Bonewit-West and Hunt (2019), “This leads to a less dramatic rise in the blood sugar level and provides a more steady supply of energy for the body” (p. 919). Therefore, this nutrition method is healthier despite the many sugar units obtained from complex carbohydrates. Due to this, the glucose level will be acceptable, and abrupt spikes and falls will be avoided.
Reference
Bonewit-West, K., & Hunt, S. (2019). Today’s medical assistant – e-book: Clinical & administrative procedures. Elsevier Health Sciences.