Simple and Complex Carbohydrates (Essay Sample)

Simple and Complex Carbohydrates Institutional Affiliation Name Carbohydrates are energy giving micronutrients made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They are referred to as sugars, and they supply a significant percentage of energy to animal cells. They are of different types depending on their chemical structure; they are called simple or complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are made of one or two kinds of sugars hence; they are categorized as monosaccharides and disaccharides (Williams, 2010). The linking together of three or more monosaccharides forms complex carbohydrates like fiber or starch. Simple carbohydrates are found naturally in milk and fruits, and they contain refined sugars, little minerals or vitamins that are easier to break down and get digested quickly while complex carbohydrates are made up of packed minerals, fiber, and vitamins. Complex carbohydrates contain longer chains of sugar that require more effort for digestion. Consuming of complex carbohydrates keeps the body fueled for an extended period, improves digestion and keeps the heart healthy (Williams, 2010). Two major complex carbohydrates include starch and cellulose. Starch is made up of chains of sugar called amylase and amylopectin that is found only in plant foods. They are mainly found in cereals such as oats, wheat and rice, starchy vegetables like beans, potatoes and peas. In the body starch is broken down into glucose that is used as a source of energy. Cellulose is the ...