In all foods there is a special type of sugar, either complex or simple sugars. In this article you will learn that not all sugar is bad for you, such as complex sugars, which has vital nutrients that the body needs.

Chemically, simple sugars are one, two or at most three units of sugar linked together in single molecules. Complex sugars, most often referred to as complex carbohydrates, and sometimes as “starches”, are hundreds or thousands of sugar molecules linked together. Generally, the simpler the sugar is, the sweeter it tastes. A complex carbohydrate may not be sweet, but these foods are pleasant to the taste.

Simple carbohydrates or simple sugars (BAD) – These carbs are broken down and digested very quickly, but most simple carbs contain refined sugars and very few essential vitamins and minerals. Examples include table sugar, fruit juice, milk, yogurt, honey, molasses, maple syrup and brown sugar.

Complex carbohydrates (GOOD) – The complex carbs take longer to digest and are packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals. Examples include vegetables, whole grain breads, oatmeal, brown rice and wheat pasta.

It would be easy to assume that less work for the body is better, but the refining process of simple sugars before they even touch your tongue has stripped away most if not all vitamins, minerals, nutrients and fiber, leaving a “food” of almost no nutritional value.

The most complex sugars or complex carbohydrates are the least refined, retaining all original nutrients for the body.

We know it requires less work for the body to break down simple sugars than complex sugars, but that does not mean that it is better for you, on the contrary, it is actually worse. Complex sugars hold nutrients and minerals that the body can use, and in the long run actually help you. But those are found in most starchy foods, such as wheat pasta, potatoes,etc…