Simple carbohydrates, also known as simple sugars, are carbohydrates that contain one or two sugar molecules. They are quickly broken down by the body to be used as energy. There are two main types of simple carbohydrates:

• Monosaccharides: These consist of a single sugar molecule. Examples include glucose (found in fruits and vegetables), fructose (fruit sugar), and galactose (found in milk).
• Disaccharides: These consist of two sugar molecules bonded together. Examples include sucrose (table sugar, which is glucose + fructose), lactose (milk sugar, glucose + galactose), and maltose (found in malt beverages, glucose + glucose).

Simple carbohydrates are naturally found in foods like fruits, milk, and vegetables, but they can also be added to processed foods and drinks as refined sugars (e.g., candy, syrup, soft drinks). Simple carbs digest quickly, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar and energy, unlike complex carbs which digest slower and provide longer-lasting energy. In summary, simple carbohydrates are sugars made up of one or two molecules, providing quick energy to the body but differing in their health impact depending on whether they come from natural sources or added/refined sugars.