http://www.questionsaboutcarbs.com/carbohydrates/complex/ Complex carbohydrates are not really all that complicated. We'll break down the differences between the simple and complex carbohydrates. en-us Tue, 27 Sep 2005 15:14:17 EDT Tue, 27 Sep 2005 15:14:17 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 For those of you embarking on a low carb diet, you might be like a lot of people out there who are confused about the basic differences between complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates. Many of the books available the attempt to explain away the confusion have only added to it. The most important thing to mention here is that the body needs the energy from carbohydrates, especially complex carbohydrates, for proper body functioning and for exercise. But, your best bet is to try and steer clear of most simple carbs as they are not nearly as advantageous to the body, and can even be detrimental to it. What is a complex carbohydrate? Carbohydrates are considered to be complex carbohydrates or simple carbohydrates based on their chemical structure. But, both have four calories per gram and and both are digested into glucose (a blood sugar). Glucose is used to fuel our bodies during work and exercise. Now days complex carbohydrates are considered to be "good" carbs, while simple are considered "bad. The reason for this is mainly based upon the time it takes for either to be digested by the body. Simple Carbohydrates are digested very quickly and many simple carbs contain refined sugars and not a lot of essential vitamins and minerals. Simple carbs can be found in fruit and fruit juices, milk, yogurt, honey, and sugar. Complex carbohydrates digest more slowly which is why they will leave you feeling full longer. They are generally full of fiber and vitamins and minerals. Complex carbs can be found in legumes, breads, pasta, vegetables, and cereals. Experts recommend that we take in 50-60% of our calories from carbohydrates and most of them should be complex. Keep the simple carbs to a minimum and when you do consume them try to get them from yogurt and fruits because these things also contain vitamins and minerals. Tue, 27 Sep 2005 15:14:17 EDT