Complex Carbs vs. Simple Carbs: What’s Healthier?
Hey Angels and Alphas,
Carbohydrates are an essential part of any diet, but some carbs have more nutritional value than others. Complex carbohydrates, also known as starchy carbs, are good for you because they take longer to digest and provide the body with sustained energy over several hours.
Simple carbohydrates, also known as simple sugars, provide the body with energy quickly but at the cost of its longer-term well-being because these simple sugars can spike blood sugar levels quickly and create cravings that cause you to eat more than necessary later on. Read on to learn more about the differences between complex carbs and simple carbs (and how to consume carbs that help your health instead of harming it.)
The Differences Between Good Carbohydrates and Bad Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients (along with protein and fat) and are found in a variety of foods, from bread and pasta to fruits and vegetables. There are two types of carbs – simple carbs and complex carbs – and they’re not created equal.
Here’s a look at the difference between the two:
- Simple carbs are made up of one or two sugar molecules, while complex carbs are made up of three or more sugar molecules.
- Complex carbs have more fiber than simple carbs and are also easier for your body to break down into glucose.
Fiber is important because it helps you feel full longer after eating, controls blood sugar levels, helps manage cholesterol levels, lowers your risk for heart disease and some cancers, keeps you regular by preventing constipation, etc.
When you have high blood sugar levels from too many simple carbohydrates it can lead to insulin resistance over time which is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
The Effects of Eating Unhealthy Carbs
When you eat unhealthy carbs, your blood sugar spikes and then crashes, leaving you feeling tired, cranky, and hungry an hour or two later. You may also find yourself gaining weight, as these types of carbs are more likely to be stored as fat. On the other hand, complex carbs are slowly broken down and absorbed into your bloodstream, providing you with sustained energy throughout the day.
They also tend to be high in fiber, which can promote a healthy digestive system. So, if you’re looking to maintain a healthy weight and have sustained energy levels throughout the day, complex carbs are the way to go!
How to Eat Healthy Carbs
When it comes to carbs, there are two different types: simple and complex. Simple carbs are made up of sugar molecules that the body can break down quickly, while complex carbs are made up of longer chains of sugar molecules that take longer to digest. So, which type of carb is better for you?
It really depends on your goals! The body needs a mix of both simple and complex carbs because they provide essential nutrients in different ways. Complex carbohydrates help the brain work more efficiently because they release energy slowly over time, giving you lasting energy. They also have fiber, which makes them an important part of a healthy diet!
The Best Sources of Good Carbohydrates
Good carbs are an important part of a healthy diet. They provide energy and essential nutrients, and can help you maintain a healthy weight. But not all carbs are created equal. Simple carbs, like those found in candy and white bread, are quickly absorbed by your body and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Complex carbs, on the other hand, are slowly digested and can help you feel fuller longer. They’re also a good source of fiber, which is important for gut health. The best sources of healthy carbs include whole grains, fiber-rich fruits, fiber-rich veggies, brown rice, and pretty much any carb rich in fiber!
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