Simple Carbohydrates
Simple Carbohydrates
These are monosaccharides (single sugar molecule) and disaccharides (two sugar molecules). Simple carbohydrates are quicker to digest, which causes a fast rise in blood sugar. Examples of monosaccharides are fructose, galactose and glucose.
Examples of disaccharides are lactose, sucrose and maltose
Oligosaccharides – Medium Chain Sugars
These are three to nine molecule chain sugars that are usually created as a result of the break down of polysaccharides. Examples of oligosaccharides are maltodextrin and fructo-oligosaccharides.
Complex Carbohydrates
These are known as starches or polysaccharides (long chains of sugars) Complex carbohydrates require more amylase to digest, and therefore cause a slower and more sustained rise in blood sugar. Examples of Complex CHOs are amylose, starches and pectins.