Which is healthier complex or simple carbs?

Author: Nicola Gislason MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Foods with simple carbohydrates have empty calories and very little nutrition. Choosing complex carbohydrates. These foods, such as fruit and vegetables, are loaded with healthy nutrients.

What is the healthiest carb to eat?

Examples of complex carbs include starchy vegetables (white and sweet potatoes, peas, corn), legumes (beans, lentils), and whole grains. Choose these carbs to get the most nutrition with the least impact on blood sugar.

Are bananas complex or simple carbs?

Are bananas complex carbohydrates? Bananas are complex carbohydrates because they are fiber-rich and take longer to digest than simpler carbohydrates. They also contain a lot of good vitamins.

Are potatoes a simple or complex carb?

The benefits of complex carbs don't stop there. Foods containing fiber and starches also often packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, all nutrients that are beneficial to our body. Examples of complex carbs include: Potatoes and sweet potatoes.

What is the number one carb to avoid?

1. Sugary Foods. Most people already think of many of the foods in this category as unhealthy treats. Candy, soft drinks, and sweet desserts such as cake, chocolate, and ice cream are all expected entries on a list of carbs to avoid to lose weight.

Simple Carbs VS Complex Carbs

Is peanut butter a simple or complex carbohydrate?

A relatively low-carb option, one serving of pure peanut butter contains 7 grams of carbohydrates, including 1.6 grams of fiber, a complex carb that helps your body absorb micronutrients and sugar.

Is oatmeal a simple or complex carb?

With so much talk about so-called 'bad carbs', oats have been written off and cut from many diets. But the truth is, whole grain oats are a complex carbohydrate with nutritional benefits. A bowl of cooked oatmeal breaks down to become energy that's slowly absorbed by your body.

Is pasta a simple or complex carb?

Complex carbohydrates can be found in foods including:

Whole-grain products, such as bread, rice and pasta.

Is popcorn a complex carb?

Popcorn is a whole grain and provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates. Popcorn contributes fiber to the diet. Dietary fiber from whole grains or other foods may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes.

What's the worst carb for belly fat?

She revealed that white bread, high-sugar cereals, sodas, and ultra-processed snacks are some of the ones to steer clear of.

What happens if you eat no carbs for a week?

You'll Lose Water Weight

Glycogen helps your body retain water. You may also lose some salt along with the carbs you cut out. When you start to eat carbs again, the water weight comes right back. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for ketosis to rev up and start to burn fat.

Is rice healthier than pasta?

While both offer nutritional benefits, pasta boasts higher protein and fiber content, promoting satiety and aiding weight loss. For diabetics, pasta's lower glycemic index makes it a healthier choice than rice. Whole-grain versions of both are recommended for optimal health benefits.

What carbs don't spike blood sugar?

Unlike processed, refined grains (like white flour), whole grains are unrefined and, therefore, contain the germ and bran part of the grain. These parts provide fiber, which helps slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Some common whole-grain foods are brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, oats, and whole-grain bread.

Is oatmeal high in carbs?

Oats are technically a high-carbohydrate food, with 70.7g carbs per 100g oats. However, the type of carbs that oats contain are known as 'complex' carbs – a primary energy source for our bodies. Oats are complex carbs because they contain plenty of fibre, both soluble and insoluble, as well as beta-glucan.

Are sweet potatoes a complex carb?

Sweet potatoes contain “good” carbs – often called “complex carbohydrates.” Complex carbohydrates are considered healthier than simple carbohydrates. They take longer to digest and create more lasting energy.

Are apples simple or complex carbs?

Fruits. Fruits are some of the most delicious complex carbs you can eat. Not only are they sweet, but they're high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protective plant compounds.

Is pizza a simple or complex carbohydrate?

Pizzas are quite high in complex carbohydrates, primarily from starches, making it a good energy food. On the other hand, pizzas tend to be low in fiber content.

Are potatoes simple or complex?

They're also chock full of starch, which is a carbohydrate. But even though a potato is considered a complex “healthy” carb, your body digests these carbs faster than other kinds of complex carbs. These broken-down carbs flood your blood with sugar. This makes your blood sugar spike quickly.

Is rice simple or complex carb?

White rice is considered a refined carbohydrate because it contains low levels of dietary fiber. While many may think that white rice is considered a simple carbohydrate because it has less fiber, it still falls into the category of complex carbohydrates because of its structure.

Is sourdough a complex carb?

Sourdough offers more than just unique and enjoyable flavors. It's a nutrient powerhouse that goes well within a wholesome diet. In every slice of sourdough bread, you'll provide your body with: Complex Carbohydrates: Sourdough is rich in complex carbohydrates, providing a steady release of energy‍

Is oatmeal a simple carb or a complex carb?

Oats are a wholesome and healthy source of complex carbs that shouldn't be overlooked. They are slow to digest, which means that they help produce long-lasting energy and keep you full for extended periods.

Is once again peanut butter healthy?

Yes, it is! Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or a health-conscious parent, Once Again Nut Butter Peanut Butter is the perfect choice for a quick and satisfying snack.

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