Carbohydrates
 

Carbohydrates are a type of food that provide a source of energy for the body.  Carbohydrates provide all the cells in the body with the energy they need. When carbohydrates are consumed, the body turns them into glucose, which provides sufficient energy for everyday tasks and physical activity. If the body produces too much glucose, it will be stored in the liver and muscle cells as glycogen, to be used for when the body needs an extra burst of energy. Any leftover glycogen that isn't stored in liver and muscle cells is turned into fat.


There are two types of carbohydrates:
Simple carbohydrates:
These are found in fruits and are easily digested by the body. They are also often found in processed foods and anything with refined sugar added.

 

Complex carbohydrates:
These are found in nearly all plant-based foods, and usually take longer for the body to digest. They are most commonly found in bread, pasta, rice, and vegetables.