What are Carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are the body's prime energy source. They help in the proper function of the brain as well as the body's muscles by transforming sugar into the energy your body truly needs. There are two types of carbohydrates: the simple and the complex carbohydrates.

What is the Difference Between the Two?

Simple carbohydrates or the monosaccharides are made up of only one kind of sugar. It could either be fructose (fruit sugar), glucose (corn sugar), sucrose (table sugar), lactose, and maltose. This is the type of carbohydrate that is quickly turned into glucose after consumption, so the bloodstream can absorb it and transport it all over the body. Because of its fast transformation, its effect is a sudden boost of energy to your body.

On the other hand, complex carbohydrates or polysaccharides are composed of different types of sugar. These carbohydrates normally take slower digestion that also affects the glucose transformation. As such, the body's energy lasts longer unlike that of simple carbohydrates.