TAGS
Complex carbohydrates are not processed, they are very nutritious and an important part of a healthy diet.
They are made up of many glucose molecules joined together. As the structure of these molecules are more complicated than simple carbs, it takes much longer to digest these foods. They are usually found in vegetables, fruits, seeds, grains and nuts. ▪ Rich in nutrition.▪ Take longer to digest.
▪ Stabilize blood sugar.
▪ Help you feel full longer.
• Current British consumption of foods rich in complex carbohydrates is lower than recommended levels. Almost half of food energy should come from starch together with sugars which are naturally incorporated into some foods and milk.
• These recommendations could be met relatively easily due to the low cost, variety and availability of starchy foods.
• Complex carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels more slowly, the body can not convert them into energy as quickly as simple carbs.
• Dietary fiber has even more complex molecular structure, classified as eitherinsoluble or soluble. Most plant foods contain both types of fiber with varying proportions. Fiber is a mixture of substances, which cannot be digested in the small intestine by humans.
▪ Wholegrain breads
▪ Beans
▪ Brown and wild rice
▪ Pasta
▪ Potatoes
▪ Corn
▪
▪ Cereals
▪ Lentils
▪ Noodles
▪ Yams
▪ Couscous
▪
▪ Green vegetables
Sarah White, Arkansas, diet.lovetoknow.com.
British Nutrition Foundation, ‘Starchy Foods in the Diet’ article : nutrition.org.uk.
.
