Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are one of the macronutrients our body needs. We derive most of our energy from carbohydrates, so the bulk of our diet should consist of foods from this group. There are two different types of carbohydrate- simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are so-called as they break down easily during digestion so release energy quickly. Complex carbohydrates take longer to break down, so release their energy over a longer period of time.

Carbohydrates consist of sugar molecules, which are broken down to the simple sugar (glucose) the body uses for energy. One gram of carbohydrate contains 4 kilocalories of energy.
Carbohydrates are found in foodstuffs such as bread, rice, pasta, potatoes and cereals.