Carbohydrates they come in two types: simple and complex. A simple carbohydrate is a type of molecule that consists of only one or two sugar units. These molecules are also known as monosaccharides and disaccharides, respectively. Simple carbohydrates are found in a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and grains.
- The simplest type of carbohydrate is the monosaccharide glucose. Glucose is found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as honey and corn syrup. Fructose, another simple carbohydrate, is found in fruit juices and table sugar (sucrose). Lactose, the sugar found in milk, is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose.
- Complex carbohydrates are polysaccharides that consist of three or more sugar units bonded together. Complex carbohydrates include starch (found in potatoes and bread) and fiber (found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). Your body breaks down complex carbohydrates into individual sugars that can be used for energy.
Raw sugar
The raw sugar is made up of about 99% sucrose, with the remaining 1% made up of other simple carbohydrates such as fructose and glucose. Because raw sugar contains more impurities than refined white sugar, it has a slightly lower calorie content and a slightly different flavor. Raw sugars are available in both granulated and brown varieties.
“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand the impact of simple carbohydrates on your health. Just look at the list of ingredients on any
Brown sugar
Light brown sugar has a milder flavor than dark brown sugar and is often used in cookies and cakes. Dark brown sugar has a deeper flavor and is often used in pies and other desserts. Brown sugar can also be used as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes.
Fruit juice concentrate
Fruit juice concentrates are often used in baking and cooking as a sweetener or flavor enhancer. They can also be reconstituted with water to make fruit juices or used as an ingredient in other beverages such as smoothies.
Most fruit juice concentrates contain no added sugar and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, some brands may add sugar or other sweeteners to their products, so it’s important to read the label before purchasing. Fruit juice concentrates can be found in the grocery store near the canned fruits or in the baking aisle.