Carbohydrates are not made equal. They come in two forms: simple and complex. And essentially, the difference between the two lies in the way each is digested and absorbed by your body.<\/p>\n
Understanding the difference between the two means you\u2019re able to make better choices about your nutrition.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n
Simple carbohydrates<\/strong><\/p>\n A simple carbohydrate comprises just one or two sugar<\/a> molecules (hence why it\u2019s also called a simple sugar<\/a>). Because of its simple structure, it\u2019s digested quickly and easily. So your body is able to turn it into energy fast. They offer you no nutritional value. Think sugar, corn syrup, honey and syrup.<\/p>\n What happens when you eat or drink a simple sugar?<\/strong><\/p>\n The sugar is digested and absorbed fast and you\u2019ll feel the boost in energy and alertness. Your pancreas will release a dose of insulin to help your body get rid of the excess sugar and reduce the amount of glucagon it\u2019s producing (and glucagon is that wonderful hormone that releases the body fat you have stored up, to be burned for energy).<\/p>\n This dose of insulin leaves you feeling like you\u2019ve got low blood sugar \u2013 like you\u2019re in a slump \u2013 so you crave more sugar. Which in turn, causes the release of more insulin and the suppression of glucagon. And eventually, your body isn\u2019t burning fat anymore \u2013 it\u2019s just burning through the sugar you eat, as and when you eat it.<\/p>\n In a complex carbohydrate, there are a number of sugar molecules coiled together. This means it takes your body longer to break it down during digestion. These carbohydrates also tend to have a high fibre content.<\/p>\n And since a lot of the complex carbohydrates are plant-based, they often carry vitamins and minerals too. What happens when you eat or drink a complex sugar?<\/strong><\/p>\n During digestion, these carbohydrates are slowly broken down into their individual glucose molecules and are either used up as fuel (if you need it) or stored in your muscles and your liver in the form of glycogen (an easy-to-use form of sugar).<\/p>\n
\nFor example:<\/p>\n\n