It is known that complex carbohydrates provide more sustained energy over time than simple sugars such as sucrose. Complex carbo
hydrates are polysaccharides, which are long chains of smaller sugar molecules bonded together. Simple sugars are monosaccharides that contain only one molecule. Why do complex carbohydrates provide more energy over time versus simple carbohydrates?
Complex carbohydrates contain longer chains of sugar molecules than simple carbohydrates. The body converts these sugar molecules into glucose, which it uses for energy. As complex carbohydrates have longer chains, they take longer to break down and provide more lasting energy in the body than simple carbohydrates
