Final answer:
A sizable portion of dietary carbohydrates comprises complex carbohydrates like amylose, with simple sugars making up a smaller percentage. A balanced diet should prioritize complex carbohydrates for health benefits and moderate sugar intake to maintain calorie balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When determining what percent of total carbohydrates is from sugars, it is essential to understand the types of carbohydrates consumed. Carbohydrates come in various forms, including simple sugars, complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides like amylose), disaccharides, and more. Although carbohydrate digestion includes a variety of sugars, the American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of obtaining the majority of one's calories from complex carbohydrates rather than simple sugars. Processed and junk foods often contain high levels of simple sugars, which can contribute to excess calorie consumption and, consequently, weight gain if consumed in large quantities.
Glucose, a common sugar, is a significant component of the carbohydrates we ingest. It is found in many forms including dextrose or blood sugar and is the main sugar found in the circulatory system. In the context of a typical Western diet, about 80 percent of carbohydrates that can be digested are from plant polysaccharides like amylose, with the rest being primarily from disaccharides.
While the exact percentage of carbohydrates from sugars can vary based on the individual diet, it's advisable to focus on complex carbohydrates for overall health and maintain moderate consumption of simple sugars to aid in managing calorie intake and prevent excess fat storage.