Carbohydrates

When you think of the word “Carbohydrates”, the first image that might pop into your head may be a bowl of pasta, a baked potato or a plate of rice. And you’re right! However, there are other foods that contain carbohydrates that may not be as obvious. These include nutritious foods such as fruit, dairy and legumes as well as foods with less nutritional value such as biscuits, cakes and lollies.

Carbohydrates are in most of the food we eat. For example, fruits contain the carbohydrate fructose and glucose, dairy has lactose, potato has starch and the list goes on. Carbohydrates are broken down by the body into simple sugars.  These sugars circulate in the blood stream and are used by the body’s cells for energy. The brain also uses one of these simple sugars (glucose) as its main energy source.  This is why children need carbohydrates to stay alert and active throughout the day. 

Which foods contain carbohydrate?

There are many foods that contain carbohydrates, however some foods are more nutrient rich than others. Since carbohydrates are all treated in the same way by the body, it is important to choose carbohydrates that also contain other nutrients. This ensures the body is not simply being provided with sugar but with other nutrients that it also requires to function.