Complex carbohydrates

Definition

Complex carbohydrates are large, long-chain sugar molecules found in foods, which the body breaks down into glucose to use as energy. They are made up of three or more linked sugars and are often rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Related terms

Monosaccharides:

The simplest form of carbohydrates that serve as the basic building blocks for more complex carbohydrates.

Polysaccharides:

Long chains of monosaccharide units bonded together, forming starches, cellulose, and glycogen among others.

Glycemic Index: A measure that ranks foods on how they affect blood glucose levels, with complex carbohydrates typically having a lower glycemic index compared to simple carbohydrates