A lesson in... Carbohydrates

⚡️Carbohydrates come in many forms but can be put into 2 categories: simple carbs and complex carbs.
⚡️Ultimately they are made up of the same things but do have a different effect on your body when eaten.
⚡️Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrate eg. Glucose, and are used by our bodies for energy.
⚡️Two monosaccharides joined together = a disaccharide eg. Sucrose, these are broken down in the body into monosaccharides to be used for energy
⚡️Multiple monosaccharides joined together = a polysaccharide eg. Glycogen. Polysaccharides vary in length and structure giving them different functions. Glycogen is stored in the body to be broken down for energy.
⚡️Complex carbohydrates such as fibre are more complex in structure and do not provide the same increase in blood glucose levels like simple carbohydrates do. Fibre is especially important to aid digestion and keep everything moving 💩
⚡️Carbohydrates should NOT be avoided despite many diets recommending it. They are crucial for a healthy working body and mind.
⚡️It is important to eat lots of wholegrains rather than simple carbohydrates eg. Oats/brown rice/bran instead of chocolate/cake/soda, but these can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a varied diet.

Any Qs, please ask 😘

Reference: Whitney and Rolfes. Understanding Nutrition, 14th Ed.