Question

What is the difference between a simple and a complex carbohydrate?

Answer 1

Simple carbohydrates provide energy but for only a short time.

EXAMPLES: foods: fructose – sugar in fruits; lactose – sugar in milk; Sucrose – table sugar.

Complex carbohydrates provide energy for a longer amount of time.

EXAMPLE FOODS: Wheat pastas, brown rice, whole grain breads, cereals.

Answer 2

Carbohydrates are sugars that come in 2 main forms-simple and complex. This is also referred to as simple sugars and starches. The difference between a simple and a complex carb is is in how quickly it is digested and absorbed-as well as it's chemical structure.