$Unique_ID{BRK02392}
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$Title{What Are Complex Carbohydrates?}
$Subject{complex carbohydrates healthy diet fiber cellulose hemicellulose gums
starches sugars dieters calorie digestive system digestion digest nutrition
food foods diets dieter calories carbohydrate carbo carbos}
$Volume{I-26}
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Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Are Complex Carbohydrates?


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QUESTION:  I keep hearing about how good "complex carbohydrates" are for your
healthy diet.  But I am not sure that I know just what these carbohydrates
are. Do they mean sugars or starches?  I thought they were fattening, and
something to be avoided.  Would you please clarify this situation for me?  I
am sure other readers would also like to know.

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ANSWER:  Complex carbohydrates are made of long strands of simple sugars, but
that is where the resemblance ends.  This food classification includes three
types of fiber (cellulose, hemicellulose and gums) as well as starches.  All
are derived from plants.  Starches are found in cereals, breads, pastas,
barley rice, and vegetables such as potatoes, corn, peas and beans.  Since
starches only yield 4 calories/gram (versus fat's 9 calories) they are great
for dieters.  Just leave off the fatty toppings, and you are on the way to a
healthy, calorie conscious diet.  Research has shown that people who eat diets
with lots of complex carbohydrates, become full more quickly, and so
unconsciously decrease their intake of calories.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.