Answer:
When we talk about carbohydrates, there are two main categories: simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.
Simple carbohydrates are found in foods like fruits, processed sweets, and sugary drinks. They are called "simple" because they consist of one or two sugar molecules, which are easily and quickly broken down by the body. Examples of simple carbohydrates include glucose, fructose, and sucrose.
On the other hand, complex carbohydrates are found in foods like whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits. They are called "complex" because they consist of longer chains of sugar molecules, which take longer for the body to break down. Examples of complex carbohydrates include starch, fiber, and glycogen.
When carbohydrates are digested by the body, they are broken down into simple sugars like glucose. This process begins in the mouth, where enzymes start to break down the carbohydrates as soon as we start chewing. The carbohydrates then travel to the stomach and small intestine, where they are further broken down by enzymes and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Once the carbohydrates are in the bloodstream, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps the body's cells take up glucose for energy. Any excess glucose that isn't needed for energy is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen for later use. If there is still excess glucose after that, it is stored as fat in the body.
So, in summary, simple carbohydrates are made up of one or two sugar molecules and are quickly broken down by the body, while complex carbohydrates are made up of longer chains of sugar molecules and take longer for the body to break down. When carbohydrates are digested by the body, they are broken down into simple sugars, which are used for energy or stored in the body for later use.