Read about why carbohydrates are important to the body and how they fit in a healthy diet. Explore types of carbs and examples of high carb and low carb foods.
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.
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, including sugars and fibers, fuel the body with energy. Simple carbs can lead to weight gain, while complex carbs offer digestive benefits.
When you hear “carbohydrates,” you may picture white bread, rice or pasta and assume they’re foods to limit. But carbohydrates play a key role in your daily energy—they digest faster than protein and ...
Eating more complex carbohydrates can help with weight loss. Diets high in simple carbohydrates increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Most people need to get 45-65% of ...