Complex Carbohydrates Sources Foods
Both complex and simple carbohydrates are converted into glucose in the body and consumed as energy.
Complex carbohydrates sources foods. Food manufacturers also add carbohydrates to processed foods in the form of starch or added sugar. Not all carbs are equal, and some of the world's healthiest foods contain carbs. The complex carbohydrates foods give vitamins, minerals, and fibers which are essential for good health.
These food sources are richer in fiber, minerals and vitamins, which help slow down the release of energy in a more sustainable form. They’re made up of longer chains of sugar molecules, which makes them take longer to digest. Starchy foods are our main source of carbohydrate and have an important role in a healthy diet.
Carbohydrates might seem like the enemy—but healthy complex carbs like brown rice, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes can and should be part of your everyday diet. Complex carbohydrates are found in a wide variety of food, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains. Brown rice is eaten as a side dish or paired with beans, also complex carbohydrates.
Complex carbs, on the other hand, are your whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal and starchy vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and corn. Complex carbs are found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Below are the major sources of complex carbs.
And since complex carbohydrates come in their whole, unprocessed form, they tend to be an excellent source of fiber, offer essential vitamins and minerals, and bare a number of health benefits. Complex carbohydrates have more nutrients and take longer for your body to digest, so they help fill you up and don't cause the same swings in blood sugars as simple carbs. Complex carbohydrates are larger molecules than simple carbohydrates, says molly cleary, m.s., r.d., a registered dietitian in new york city.
Complex carbohydrates found in whole foods tend to be highly nutritious. The different carbohydrates sources can also be grouped into unique categories. This is one benefit of eating whole food sources of carbs such as whole grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, and fruits instead of opting for processed foods.