What is complex carbohydrates

What is complex carbohydrates and why should I be consuming them. I never tire of talking about carbohydrates and the role they have in our body. A majority of people see carbohydrates as a type of food that they should stay away from. But that’s not the case and in this review I intend to explain why you should be embracing, not just carbohydrates but complex carbohydrates.

After all we are what we eat and complex carbohydrates is a must for protein absorption, as well as slow energy release. There’s nobody on this planet who doesn’t like food! So, its time we all prioritize quality over quantity. Because consuming good food will deliver great performance.

What is complex carbohydrates.

Well, the simple answer is, its a type of food. It’s not a game of hide-and-seek either, carbohydrates can be found in a variety of foods. It has 2 main functions, its first role is to provide a source of energy. And the second is to form a chemical partnership with protein. Both functions are very important and necessary for a healthy functioning body.

Every second of the day our body is burning calories. This happens without thought or intervention on our part. This is due to our organs performing their daily functions. All of which requires energy. Now, to make the connection, between energy and what is complex carbohydrates.

Our body contains muscles, muscles require maintenance and that is provided from our protein intake. Now, for the magic, protein cannot be efficiently be broken down without carbohydrates and vice a versa! There’s no real need to take any additional supplements to obtain what you need. If, you’re eating regular balanced meals, it should contain all your body needs!

What is a carbohydrate?

As mentioned earlier, carbohydrates is in our food. We consume it orally when we eat and when we consume carbs, which are high in starch. Our body converts it into monosaccharides before it is absorbed for energy. This happens to our carb intake, regardless of whether they are simple or complex carbohydrates.

It needs to be broken down and then absorbed for energy. Not all carbohydrates are equal! A statement that I will explain shortly but for now I’d like to point out if you’re eating for a sport specific reason. Then, there’s going to be a high chance you’ll need to consume more complex carbohydrates, instead of simple carbohydrates.

What foods supply complex carbohydrates.

Now, to explain why all carbs are not made equal. Well, the main reason for this statement is in the word SIMPLE. Simple carbohydrates tends to be absorbed quicker than complex carbohydrates. When consumed, creates a sugar high and low. Because of the quick release of sugars into the blood stream.

Foods that are from the simple carbohydrate family are:

• Vegetables.
  

• Beans. Green beans boiled contains 4.9g of carbohydrates.
  

• Bread. Per slice contains 6g of carbohydrates.
  

• Sugar items cake and sweets. A sugar fix of 98g of carbohydrates.
  

• Rice. A 28g hit of carbohydrates.
  

I have a competition background and would blame my competition success on preparation. Eating the right kind of foods, getting plenty of rest and understanding my body’s needs. My consumption of complex carbohydrates played a big part in my training and competition preparation. Now, I believe I know what is complex carbohydrates. But while performing my research, I have found that opinions differ!

My list of complex carbohydrates are:

• Yams. Contains 41.82g of carbohydrates.
  

• Natural porridge oats. Grab a massive 66.3g of carbohydrates per 100 grams.
  

• Green banana’s. Contains 22.84g of carbohydrates.
  

• Sweet potato. Contains 20.7g carbohydrates, with skin on.
  

• Red skin potato. Contains 33g of carbohydrates.
  

• Potato. Contains 26.20g of carbohydrates.
  

• Yellow sweet corn. Contains 29.29g of carbohydrates.
  

• Pasta. Contains 25g of carbohydrates per 100 grams.
  

• Long grain rice. Per 100g contains 28g of carbohydrates.

All foods above can be found and brought locally. I guess this boils down to having a wider knowledge base, of sport specific foods. A lot of which I have grown up with. So, now you have a list of foods I consider to be simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.

What is complex carbohydrates and how will it help me?

Food plays a very important role in the development, maintenance and growth of our body. To keep our body in tip-top condition we should consume a balanced meal, three times a day. Carbohydrates and protein have a special relationship, that goes beyond performance. The relationship I speak of, is a chemical one between 2 needed components.

Our muscles rely upon protein for growth and maintenance, but to be properly absorbed it requires carbohydrates. But for carbohydrates to be absorbed it requires protein! So, one can cannot fully do its job without the other!   Now, to explain how consuming complex carbohydrates will aid your training performance.

Complex carbohydrates will deliver a slow release of energy throughout the day. Which hopefully will be triggered by your natural oat breakfast.  Now, if you’ve continued a high carb intake throughout the day, your energy levels should stay elevated. Giving you enough energy to work, train and play.

Will eating carbohydrates make me gain weight.

There’s always been a hatred for carbs, because any carbohydrates consumed and not used for energy. Will be stored as fat. This doesn’t mean we should avoid carbs, it just means we need to control our intake and stay active. As, I have mentioned earlier carbohydrates is needed to help breakdown protein. So, it is a required component.

Eating balanced meals containing vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates, will not make you gain weight. Providing you are active and living a healthy lifestyle.

My conclusion to what is complex carbohydrates.

When it comes down to food, we are always learning, new fads come and go. But our food will always remain the same! We need a steady intake of good nutritional food to keep us fit and healthy. Answering the question, what is complex carbohydrates, as been a very interesting project. It brought back old memories of meal management to me.

Eating is a necessity that we cannot do without, so we need to learn how to eat sensibly. This is the only way will obtain all the nourishment our body needs. Without gaining any additional weight or putting our health at risk! To avoid any issues, all we need to do is understand our food!

You now have a good understanding of what is complex carbohydrates. If, you have found this useful to you and your family please share it. I’m here for any questions or comments you might have too. If, you leave them below and I will answer them in timely manner.

To your health. U.T.G.