It seems like everywhere we look now carbohydrates are in the news. From new low-carbohydrate products to diets that cut carbohydrates. But what are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are your body's main source of energy. There are two main groups of carbohydrates: complex carbohydrates or starches and simple carbohydrates or sugars. The sugars may occur naturally like milk sugar (lactose) or the sugar found in fruit (fructose). Sugar may also be added to products to sweeten them like sodas, candy, dessert items, etc. The other type of carbohydrate is fiber but it is not digested and not absorbed and therefore does not supply you with energy.

Carbohydrates are found naturally in:

• Breads, Cereals, Rice, Pasta, Grains
• Dried Beans
• Fruits
• Starchy Vegetables
• Milk, Yogurt

When your body digests and breaks down carbohydrates the starches and sugars turn into glucose which is what your muscles use for energy, your liver stores as glycogen (stored glucose), and your brain uses for energy. If you eat more carbohydrates than your body can use at that time or store it will change the glucose to body fat.

This is general information only and should not replace advice or instructions given to you by your physician.

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