<h1>What are Simple Carbohydrates?</h1>

Simple carbohydrates are smaller molecules of sugar unlike the long chains in starch. They are usually one, two, or at most three units of sugar linked together in single molecules. Simple sugars are easily identified by their taste which is sweet. Simple carbohydrates are broken down quickly by the body to be used as energy. They are found naturally in foods such as fruits, milk, and milk products. They also are digested quickly because the individual sugars are ready to be absorbed immediately plus digestive enzymes have easy access to the bonds in the paired molecules. Simple carbohydrates that contain vitamins and minerals occur naturally in:

- vegetables

- milk

- fruits

Simple carbohydrates contain naturally occurring sugars like fructose (fruit), sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk). Simple carbohydrates are quickly digested and converted to glucose to be used as energy. Excess glucose will turn to fat if not used. Many of the foods we eat, such as fruits, vegetables, milk, cakes, candies, jellies, soft drinks, sugar, and syrup contain simple carbs. On a low carb diet, you want to limit your intake of simple carbohydrates.