complex carbohydrates
Polysaccharides in food
Complex carbohydrates are starches and fibers made of long chains of sugar molecules, found in foods like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables.
Unlike simple carbohydrates (sugars), they break down slowly, providing sustained energy rather than quick spikes.
Nutritional advice often favors complex carbohydrates: Choose complex carbs like brown rice over white bread.
- whole grainsKernels with bran, germ, endosperm
- starchComplex plant carbohydrate
- oatsCereal grain for porridge
- polysaccharidesMulti-unit sugar polymers
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
barley · brown rice · energy metabolism · quinoa · legumes · amylose · diabetes management · lentils · blood sugar regulation · slow digestion · chickpeas · glycogen · heart health · carbs · fiber · obesity prevention · plant-based diet · bulgur
complex carbohydratessimple sugars
Single-unit carbohydrate molecules
monosaccharides · disaccharides · glucose · fructose · sucrose
complex carbohydratessimple sugars
Single-unit carbohydrate molecules
white sugar · candy · soda · glucose tablets · white bread
complex carbohydratesproteins
Amino acid polymers
fats · lipids · dietary fiber · amino acids