Carbohydrates

What are the carbohydrates?

-          They are macronutrients

-          The preferred source  of energy for our bodies

-          Over 50% of our total daily caloric intake should come from carbohydrates

-          The body converts carbohydrates into simple sugar called glucose, which the body uses as fuel.

-          The body uses glucose to burn fat

They are two types of carbohydrates:

-          Simple: also called sugars, and occur naturally. They provide the body with a quick source of energy that can be absorbed into the blood stream.

o   Fruit, milk, cookies, cakes…

-          Complex: come from starches and take a long time for the body to break them down, providing a long and steady source of energy

o   Any type of pasta, bread, rice…

*Fibre – is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest and that is not a source of calories.

Fibre benefits:

-          Helps to keep you healthy by reducing cancer.

-          Helps to remove bad cholesterol.

-          Helps to manage weight.

o   Whole-grain products, fruit, vegetables, fruits, cereals…