Dietary Benefits of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are found in most of the foods in varying amounts. They type of carbohydrates will also vary in different food items. There are mainly two types of carbohydrates 1) simple carbohydrates and 2) complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates foods can be easily digested in the body and can give instant energy these are found in foods like white sugar, white bread, white pasta, white flour and fruits and fruit juices. On the other hand complex carbohydrates would need some time to get digested as these are mainly unrefined foods which have fiber and other nutrients retained. Refined and processed food like white rice would have more simple carbohydrates as the fiber and other nutrients are lost in the polishing and refining process to certain extent. Common examples of complex carbohydrates would include whole cereals like wheat, oats, whole grains like brown rice, starchy foods like potato, yam, sweet potato, tapioca and other vegetables, pulses and legumes.  Carbohydrates in different foods are broken down in the body by the digestive system and enzymes to produce glucose. This glucose with the help of insulin from the pancreas is made available for each cell as a source of energy. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and it is often known as 'brain food'.