Are complex carbohydrates better than simple ones?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am trying to improve my diet to be healthier, and there is a lot of talk about carbohydrates. What is the deal with carbohydrates? Are they bad? Can they be a part of a healthy diet? How do I find the right balance? I am confused and hoping for some clear advice on carbohydrates. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Answered by Durga Kumari

Education:

MSc Dietetics and Food Service Management

Professional Bio:

Ms. Durga Kumari is a Dietician and a Nutritionist with 11 years of clinical experience. She completed her M.Sc in Dietetics and Food Service Management at the Vinayaka Missions University. She is an expert in using food and nutrition to promote health and manage diseases. She also guides people on what to eat to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. Currently, she is practicing at Advit Diet Clinic (Day Care Facilities), Secunderabad, Telangana.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Carbohydrates are a macronutrient found in a variety of food sources, with several types differing in terms of nutritional value and effects on health. They are a major macronutrient and one of the body’s primary sources of energy. Some weight loss programs discourage their consumption, but the key lies in finding the right portion rather than completely avoiding them. You might have heard that consuming complex carbohydrates is preferable to simple carbohydrates, though nutrition labels do not always specify. Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly, gradually releasing glucose into the bloodstream, whereas simple carbohydrates are digested quickly, leading to a faster and higher spike in blood sugar. Understanding how these foods are classified and their effects on the body can aid in making informed carbohydrate choices.

I hope this information helps you.

Thanks for using icliniq, and have a nice day.

Answered by Durga Kumari
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 27, 2024
Reviewed At March 27, 2024

Education:

MSc Dietetics and Food Service Management

Professional Bio:

Ms. Durga Kumari is a Dietician and a Nutritionist with 11 years of clinical experience. She completed her M.Sc in Dietetics and Food Service Management at the Vinayaka Missions University. She is an expert in using food and nutrition to promote health and manage diseases. She also guides people on what to eat to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. Currently, she is practicing at Advit Diet Clinic (Day Care Facilities), Secunderabad, Telangana.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Durga Kumari
Durga Kumari

Nutritionist

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Education:

MSc Dietetics and Food Service Management

Professional Bio:

Ms. Durga Kumari is a Dietician and a Nutritionist with 11 years of clinical experience. She completed her M.Sc in Dietetics and Food Service Management at the Vinayaka Missions University. She is an expert in using food and nutrition to promote health and manage diseases. She also guides people on what to eat to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. Currently, she is practicing at Advit Diet Clinic (Day Care Facilities), Secunderabad, Telangana.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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