Carbohydrate

Carbohydrate is an organic compound existing as "simple" sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose, and lactose) or as glucose polymers (starch or "complex carbohydrate", glycogen, and cellulose). Simple sugars rapidly and temporarily raise blood sugar. Complex carbohydrates digest and absorb more slowly. Foods high in carbohydrate content include bananas, bread, rice, cereals, potatoes, and corn. During the digestion of such foods, the carbohydrates are broken down into energy-producing sugar, glucose, and ultimately, into water, carbon dioxide, and energy. If little or no carbohydrate is in the diet, the body uses fat stores as a source of energy, or protein from muscles and enzymes to provide energy.