Carbohydrates are one of the three main nutrients found in foods and drinks, along with proteins and fats. They are sugar molecules that your body breaks down into glucose, which is the main source of energy for your bodys cells, tissues, and organs. There are three main types of carbohydrates: sugars, starches, and fiber.

• Sugars: They are also called simple carbohydrates because they are in the most basic form. They can be added to foods, such as the sugar in candy, desserts, processed foods, and regular soda. They also include the kinds of sugar that are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and milk.

• Starches: They are complex carbohydrates, which are made of lots of simple sugars strung together. Your body needs to break starches down into sugars to use them for energy. Starches include bread, cereal, and pasta. They also include certain vegetables, like potatoes, peas, and corn.

• Fiber: It is a type of carbohydrate that your body cant digest. It helps regulate the bodys use of sugars, helping to keep hunger and blood sugar in check. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Carbohydrates can be found in a wide array of both healthy and unhealthy foods, such as bread, beans, milk, popcorn, potatoes, cookies, spaghetti, soft drinks, corn, and cherry pie. However, it is important to choose healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as unprocessed or minimally processed whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans, which promote good health by delivering vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a host of important phytonutrients. Unhealthier sources of carbohydrates include white bread, pastries, sodas, and other highly processed or refined foods, which contain easily digested carbohydrates that may contribute to weight gain, interfere with blood sugar control, and increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol.