
Carbohydrates: What They Are, Function & Types - Cleveland Clinic
Mar 8, 2024 · Carbohydrates — fiber, starches and sugars — are essential food nutrients. Your body turns carbs into glucose (blood sugar) to give you the energy you need to function.
Carbohydrate - Wikipedia
Carbohydrates are central to nutrition and are found in a wide variety of natural and processed foods. Starch is a polysaccharide and is abundant in cereals (wheat, maize, rice), potatoes, and processed …
Carbohydrates: How carbs fit into a healthy diet - Mayo Clinic
Jan 24, 2025 · What are carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are sugars in food. Carbohydrates also are the parts of food that the body doesn't digest, called fiber. Carbohydrates are naturally found in fruits, …
Carbohydrate | Definition, Classification, & Examples | Britannica
Dec 10, 2025 · A carbohydrate is a naturally occurring compound, or a derivative of such a compound, with the general chemical formula C x (H 2 O) y, made up of molecules of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), …
Carbohydrates - American Heart Association
Sep 12, 2023 · There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are digested quickly and send immediate bursts of glucose (energy) into the bloodstream.
Carbohydrates: Types, Benefits, Sources, Risks, More - Health
Sep 28, 2025 · Carbohydrates are one of three macronutrients, which are nutrients your body needs in large amounts. Carbohydrates refer to sugars, starches, and fibers.
Carbohydrates: Main Function, Best, and Worst Types
Dec 15, 2025 · Carbohydrates help maintain blood sugar levels and provide energy. Added sugars in processed foods can lead to weight gain and health problems. A carbohydrate, or “carb,” is a …
Carbohydrates - Nutrition.gov
Read about why carbohydrates are important to the body and how they fit in a healthy diet. Explore types of carbs and examples of high carb and low carb foods.
Get to Know Carbs | ADA - American Diabetes Association
Carbs come in many different forms, but the main three are starch, fiber, and sugar. When purchasing packaged food, the term “total carbohydrate” refers to all three of these types. Learn more about …
Carbohydrates in the Diet | Oklahoma State University
During digestion, all carbohydrates, except fiber, are broken down into simple sugars. Sugars and starches occur naturally in many foods that also supply other nutrients such as milk, fruits, …