Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients that provide our bodies with energy, along with fat and protein. The chemical abbreviation for carbohydrates is CHO, which means they contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are found in a wide array of both healthy and unhealthy foods, including bread, beans, milk, popcorn, potatoes, cookies, spaghetti, soft drinks, corn, and cherry pie. There are three main types of carbohydrates:

• Sugars: These are simple carbohydrates that are quickly broken down by the body and provide a quick source of energy. Examples include table sugar, honey, and fruit juice.

• Starches: These are complex carbohydrates made up of many sugar molecules strung together. They take longer to break down and provide a longer-lasting source of energy. Examples include bread, cereal, pasta, and certain vegetables like potatoes, peas, and corn.

• Fiber: This is also a complex carbohydrate, but the body cannot break it down. Eating foods with fiber can help you feel full and make you less likely to overeat. Diets high in fiber have other health benefits, such as helping to prevent constipation and lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Fiber is found in many plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains.

In nutrition, CHO is used as an abbreviation for carbohydrates, and 1 CHO is equivalent to 15 grams of carbohydrates.