Complex Carbohydrates Examples

A carbohydrate is a type of biomolecule that consists only of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms bonded together along with some alcohol groups. It is one of four molecules essential for life. The other three molecules are lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Carbohydrates have come under fire in the last decade by many nutritionists and doctors for their ability to make us overweight if we eat too many of them. And as confusing as the diets can be and understanding nutrition and selecting foods that are healthy, carbohydrates can basically be classified into two categories, simple carbohydrates which are sugars and complex carbohydrates which are usually starchy foods or whole grains. In the world of nutrition, complex carbohydrates seem to be a better choice for diet because they release glucose into the blood slower, allow us to feel fuller longer, and are often found in many plant based foods so they are accompanied by necessary vitamins and minerals. Essentially the main difference between a simple and complex carbohydrate is that simple sugars are only one or two units long but a complex carbohydrates are several units long like starch and cellulose.

1. Oatmeal

2. Sweet potatoes

3. Lettuce

4. Beans and lentils

5. Potatoes

6. Whole grain breads or pasta

7. Corn

8. Strawberries

9. apples