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Complex Carbohydrates
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Carbs in Food |
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Complex CarbohydratesWhat
Are Carbohydrates? - Carbohydrate
Science - Synthesis of Carbohydrates
- Monosaccharides - Disaccharides
- Oligosaccharides Complex SugarsComplex carbohydrates are composed of three or more units of sugar. Their complicated structure is why they are called "complex" carbohydrates. The chemical name for the largest type of complex carbohydrate is "polysaccharide", meaning "many sugars." Complex Carbs Raise Blood Glucose Levels More SlowlyBecause the molecular structure of complex carbohydrates is more complicated, the body cannot metabolize them (convert them) into energy as quickly as simple carbs (except fructose). This means complex carbs raise blood glucose levels more slowly. The most common form of polysaccharide complex carb is starch, which is found in plants. Common plant-based starchy foods include breakfast cereals, bread, potatoes, pasta and rice. Dietary Fiber: Non-Starch PolysaccharidesSome polysaccharides, or complex carbohydrates, have an even more complicated molecular structure. These polysaccharides are known as dietary fiber, or non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). These types of complex carbs include cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, gum and mucilage. Generally, dietary fiber is classified as either insoluble or soluble. Most plant foods contain both sorts of fiber, although proportions vary. Insoluble fiber is mainly cellulose. Soluble fiber comes in various types, including pectin, arabinose and beta-glucans. |
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Carbs-Information.com provides general information about different types of carbohydrate, like monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, as well as nutritional value of carbohydrates, carb-content of foods, plus details of GI values of all food groups, plus advice about diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. But no information is intended as a substitute for medical advice. Copyright 2003-2021. |