Simple and Complex carbohydrates are the two main types of carbohydrates, with simple being made up of only one or two units of sugar, and complex being made of many units. Each “unit” is a differing combination of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Sugars are simple carbs, while fibers and starches are complex carbs.

Simple carbohydrates can be found predominantly in table sugar (sucrose), as well as foods that contain high amounts of glucose, galactose, and fructose. These foods include sweets and sodas, but are not limited to “fatty” foods, being found in all manner of wheat and grain such as Bread (especially White bread) or Oatmeal, and appear often in Pastas and Cereals.

Complex carbohydrates can be found in heavy amounts in vegetables and some fruits, especially Potatoes, Carrots, and Tomatoes. This is in great part due to the high concentration of starches and/or fibers in these foods. Complex carbs can also be located within Nuts, Grains and Wheat, and all manner of Beans and Peas.

Carbohydrates are required for the human body to intake because they are the main provider of energy from the food we eat. However, it is important to keep a healthy balance of simple and complex carbs, as both are necessary, but simple carbs are easier to overdose on and end up with extra, unwanted body mass. It is essential to regulate intake of both types of carbohydrates while maintaining a healthy energy intake, primarily by focusing more on complex-rich foods.