 | What are carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are one of three kinds of nutrients that give you energy. They have four calories per gram, and are classified as simple or complex. Complex carbohydrates, made up of sugar molecules that are strung together in long chains, are found in foods such as peas, beans, whole grains and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates are single sugars or short chains of sugars which can be broken down quickly by the body and used as energy. Simple carbohydrates are found naturally in foods such as fruits and milk products. They are also found in processed and refined sugars such as candy, table sugar, syrups and soft drinks. Most carbohydrate intake should come from complex carbohydrates and naturally occurring sugars rather than from processed or refined sugars. What are sources of carbohydrates? | Complex | Simple | | Legumes | Fruits | | Starchy vegetables | Milk products | | Whole grain breads and cereals | Vegetables | | | Candy | | | Table sugar | | | Syrups | | | Sodas |
Why do I need carbohydrates?
Simple and complex carbohydrates are turned into glucose or blood sugar and are used as energy. Body and brain cells use glucose, while unused glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. Complex carbohydrate foods provide vitamins, minerals and fiber that are important to good health.
How much do I need?
Almost half of all calories in a CF patient's diet should come from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates and natural sugars. To increase complex carbohydrate calories: • Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Eat more whole grains, rice, breads and cereals.
• Eat more legumes (beans, lentils and dried peas).
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