The adverts say complex carbohydrates. What are they and why should you eat them? Find out in our article.
There are two main groups of sugars known as carbohydrates. The first is simple carbohydrates and the second is complex carbohydrates. All carbohydrates are made up of two basic elements - carbon and oxygen. They play an extremely important role in the body, as they provide the energy necessary for the body to function properly. Simple carbohydrates are mainly found in fruit, vegetables and dairy products. They are broken down quickly and are therefore quickly absorbed by the body. In addition to the above-mentioned products, simple carbohydrates can be found in white bread, rice, cakes and pastries. These foods give you a feeling of satiety that quickly passes.
Complex carbohydrates, due to their complex structure, take longer to digest. They are mainly found in wholemeal products such as wholemeal bread, oatmeal, muesli and brown rice. Because they are broken down more slowly into low-molecular-weight compounds - glucose - they take longer to digest in the body, giving you a longer feeling of satiety. In addition, complex carbohydrates are an additional source of many vitamins and trace elements. Complex carbohydrates are mainly found in bran, germ, buckwheat, maize flour, oatmeal, wholemeal pasta, brown rice, root vegetables, wholemeal bread, cassava, maize, peas or lentils.
Why are complex carbohydrates better than simple carbohydrates?
The reason is...the glycaemic index. This is a classification of carbohydrates, on a scale from 0 to 100, published by the WHO (World Health Organisation). This scale determines the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. High-GI foods are those that are rapidly digested and absorbed, thus causing significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Low-GI foods, due to their slow digestion and absorption, contribute to a gradual rise in blood sugar. Eating a breakfast rich in whole grains and therefore rich in complex carbohydrates will ensure that you do not feel hungry quickly. What's more, many whole-grain products increase intestinal peristalsis, which is an extremely positive aspect. This is because the increased movement of the worms acts as a "brush", sweeping away undigested debris from the intestinal contents, which could rot over time and cause excess gas. Carbohydrates are also fuel for the brain, so it is all the more important to eat a generous portion before going to work or school.