http://www.lowcarbwizard.com/carbohydrate/complex.html Complex carbohydrate -- What does it do and where is it found? How to tell a complex carbohydrate from a simple carbohydrate and learn their roles in the master diet plan. en-us Tue, 23 Aug 2005 15:10:35 EDT Tue, 23 Aug 2005 15:10:35 EDT Weblog Editor 2.0 Carbohydrates are a type of food that provide a source of energy for the body. There are two types of carbohydrates: Simple Carbohydrates and Complex Carbohydrate(s) Simple carbohydrates: These are found in fruits and are easily digested by the body. They are also often found in processed foods and anything with refined sugar added. Complex carbohydrate(s): These are found in nearly all plant-based foods, and usually take longer for the body to digest. They are most commonly found in bread, pasta, rice, and vegetables. Carbohydrates have the job of providing all the cells in the body with the energy they need. When simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrate(s) are consumed, the body turns them into glucose, which provides sufficient energy for everyday tasks and physical activity. If the body produces too much glucose, it will be stored in the liver and muscle cells as glycogen, to be used for when the body needs an extra burst of energy. Any leftover glycogen that isn't stored in liver and muscle cells is turned into fat. If a person is exercising for just a short period of time, say thirty minutes of walking or jogging, the body will release glycogen to be used for energy. If you're exercising for an extended period of time, or doing more strenuous exercise, the body will turn to it's fat reserve for energy. The body needs a certain amount of carbohydrates to function properly, and an insufficient supply can cause such things as fatigue, muscle cramps, and poor mental function. A low-carb diet might seem healthy, but if taken to the extreme, can be very dangerous to a person's overall well-being. It's important to remember that "low-carb" doesn't mean "no-carb." Be sure to eat moderate amounts of complex carbohydrate(s) and simple carbohydrates to keep your body fueled properly. As with al diets, it's a good idea to check with a doctor before you start, and do as much research as possible before committing your body to any diet or exercise regimen. When it comes to dieting, you have to balance out the complex carbohydrate(s) with the simple carbohydrates. Sometimes a complex carbohydrate fits into your diet better than a simple one, and sometimes it goes for the reverse. Tue, 23 Aug 2005 15:10:35 EDT