complex carbohydrate
Slow-digesting sugar chain
A complex carbohydrate is a sugar molecule made of long chains of simple sugars bonded together.
Found in foods like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, complex carbohydrates break down more slowly than simple sugars, providing sustained energy rather than quick spikes.
Starches and fiber are complex carbohydrates.
Athletes load up on complex carbohydrates before endurance events.
- starchComplex plant carbohydrate
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
- whole grainCereal with intact seed
- whole wheatFlour using entire kernel
- breadLeavened flour product
pasta · potato · rice · wild rice · oatmeal · steel cut oats · legumes · energy · energy source · fuel · blood sugar · slow release · digestion · sustained · filling · hearty · chewy · dense
complex carbohydratemonosaccharide
Simplest carbohydrate form
disaccharide · glucose · fructose · sucrose · table sugar
complex carbohydrateempty calories
Energy lacking nutrients
refined sugar · white flour · white bread · white rice · junk food
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