Carbohydrates

Type: Macronutrient

Carbohydrates is a major macronutrient, serving as a main source of energy for our body.

Despite its bad reputation due to its link to weight gain and obesity, carbohydrates can be categorised into different types as not all carbs are created equal; it is the type you eat that will make a difference.

Simple carbs:
They are sugars, including white, brown, raw sugar etc. They are also naturally occuring in milk, known as lactose, and fruits, also known as fructose. They are often added in commercial products, in the form of corn syrup or high-fructose corn syrup. In our diet, the staples we eat such as white rice and noodles are starch that gets broken down into simple sugars. We should limit our consumption of simple sugar and starch as they cause your blood sugar to rise quickly, which is particularly harmful for diabetics.

Complex carbs:
They are long chains of simple carbohydrates, such as fibre. Fibre helps to promote bowel regularity, good cholesterol levels, and keep one fuller for a longer period of time. Good sources of complex carbs include whole grains, fruits, vege and beans.