What Are Complex Carbohydrates Used For?

What are Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are macronutrients that are essential for keeping us energetic and healthy.

The trouble is that a lot of these energy-rich carbohydrates are also full of sugars, starches and fibres that weight loss experts frown upon and anyone trying to ditch a few kilos tries to avoid.

It all comes down to choices because not all carbohydrates are created equal. That’s good news for you if you’re looking to keep the energy up and the weight gain down.

Why? Simple. Or at least, simple carbohydrates; they’re the ones you need to avoid.

What are Simple Carbohydrates?

Basically, simple carbohydrates are sugars, all those lovely substances that have the kids bouncing off the walls and you wonder why the scales continue to lie about your real weight.

Raw sugars, brown sugars, glucose, fructose, sucrose; are all simple carbs and an extra kilo of weight in the making.

If you want to cut simple carbs out of your life, stay right away from sodas, baked treats and cookies, fruit juice concentrates and pretty much all breakfast cereals.

Considering switching to a low-carb diet? Find out if it's healthy in our previous blog.

What are Complex Carbohydrates?

Your average complex carb comes in one of two forms: fibre or starch.

Fibre is great because it helps to keep our digestion working as it should so we stay regular. Fibre also helps to control cholesterol.

Where will you find complex carb fibre? In fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

You’ll find starch lurking in some fibrous foods, but it’s also found in cereals, oats, peas, rice and wholegrain bread.

Obviously, one or two of these – most notably, cereals – need to be approached with caution. Just watch out for the sugar content.

Complex Carbohydrates Help our Long-Term Health and Well-Being

Complex carbs help us to keep the extra pounds at bay and a leaner, meaner you is a healthier you. Complex carbs are even considered to be a useful fighter in the war against type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems.

So, should you get your fill of complex carbs? Most definitely.

• Stock up on fibre-rich fruits such as apples, bananas, and berries.

• Add fibre-rich veggies like carrots, broccoli and leafy greens to your shopping list.

• Try to mix in some grains such as quinoa and buckwheat, and the odd bean.

Getting into the complex carb habit will take a little time, but if you do your research, read product labels carefully and be a bit more selective, you’ll soon reap the rewards.

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