There are thousands of different carbohydrate-rich foods and recipes that can help us to meet the carbohydrate intake goals of healthy eating, as well as fuelling up for sport and exercise. We used to think of carbohydrate foods as being either ‘simple’ or ‘complex’ choices. Foods high in sugars were considered ‘simple’ carbohydrates. It was assumed they would be quickly digested, causing a rapid increase in blood sugar (glucose) levels shortly after their intake. On the other hand, it was thought foods high in starches were ‘complex’, being digested and absorbed into the blood more slowly, causing a flatter and sustained blood glucose response.
Over the last 30 years, research into food and blood glucose response has completely changed our carbohydrate classification system.
Below is a link to a fact sheet that might help clear some of the mist on the topic…
The Glycaemic Index and Sports Performance
