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What is a carbohydrate?

Medicine & HealthLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

A carbohydrate is a nutrient made of sugars that is your body's main source of quick energy. Carbs range from simple sugars (like glucose) to complex starches and fibre — in bread, rice, fruit, and vegetables. Your body breaks them down into glucose to fuel your cells.

Key things to understand

  1. Carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel — broken down into glucose, which cells use for energy.
  2. They come in simple forms (sugars, fast energy) and complex forms (starches and fibre, slower, steadier energy).
  3. Fibre is a carbohydrate the body can't fully digest — it aids digestion and gut health.
  4. They're found in grains, fruit, vegetables, legumes, and dairy.
  5. Excess carbohydrate the body doesn't use is stored as glycogen or fat.

People also ask

What do carbohydrates do?
They're your body's main energy source. Digestion breaks them into glucose, which your cells 'burn' to power everything you do.
What's the difference between simple and complex carbs?
Simple carbs (sugars) give fast energy and quick spikes; complex carbs (starches, fibre) release energy more slowly and steadily, and often come with more nutrients.
Is fibre a carbohydrate?
Yes — fibre is a carbohydrate your body can't fully digest. It doesn't give much energy but supports healthy digestion.

Part of the guide: Food & Kitchen Science →