Carbohydrates — fiber, starches and sugars — are essential food nutrients. Your body turns carbs into glucose (blood sugar) to give you the energy you need to function.
What are carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are sugars in food. Carbohydrates also are the parts of food that the body doesn't digest, called fiber. Carbohydrates are naturally found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and dairy products. Carbohydrates also may be added to processed foods.
Carbohydrates are central to nutrition and are found in a wide variety of natural and processed foods. Starch is a polysaccharide and is abundant in cereals (wheat, maize, rice), potatoes, and processed food based on cereal flour, such as bread, pizza or pasta.
Carbohydrates are a class of naturally occurring compounds, probably the most abundant and widespread organic substances in nature. They are essential constituents of all living things.
Foods high in carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet. Carbohydrates provide the body with glucose, which is converted to energy used to support bodily functions and physical activity. But carbohydrate quality is important; some types of carbohydrate-rich foods are better than others:
Carbohydrates provide essential nutrients and are one of the main sources of calories for our bodies and can all be part of a healthy eating plan.
Carbohydrates, including sugars and fibers, fuel the body with energy. Simple carbs can lead to weight gain, while complex carbs offer digestive benefits.
On the nutrition label, the term "total carbohydrate" includes all three types of carbohydrates. This is the number you should pay attention to if you are carbohydrate counting.