Carbohydrate

One of a group of organic nutrients that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The group includes sugars, glycogen, starches, dextrin, and cellulose. The body eventually converts them into glucose, the body’s primary source for energy. Carbohydrates are generally divided into two groups: simple sugars and compound sugars. Simple sugars are found in fruits and vegetables, beet or cane juice, and milk, and are absorbed by the body very quickly. Compound sugars comprise two or more molecules of simple sugar and are found in whole grains and legumes. Most compound sugars are tasteless and difficult for the body to digest, but they provide more nutrients than simple sugars. Carbohydrates occur naturally in plants and milk and are used by the body principally for energy.