Complex Carbohydrates

   There are simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are made up of one or two sugars. Examples include glucose, fruit sugar, table sugar and the sugar found in milk. Simple sugars are found in candy and also in fruits.

   Complex carbohydrates are made up of chains of three or more sugar molecules and include starchy foods. All breads, rice, pastas, potatoes, dry beans and corn are common examples of complex carbohydrates. Beans contain complex carbohydrates all by themselves and all grains, whether whole grain or processed flours are complex carbohydrates, but whole grain flours contain more bran and fiber along with the complex carbohydrates.