Many people are surprised when they learn that there are healthy carbohydrates. Low-carb diets have turned many against all carbohydrates but there are plenty which can contribute to a healthy diet. To find out which are good to eat search for a list of complex carbohydrates on the internet.

Complex carbs are also referred to by some other names such as natural carbohydrates, whole foods, whole grains, unrefined carbohydrates and high glycaemic index carbohydrates. These terms do not all specifically mean the same thing but they refer to groups of foods which include complex carbohydrates and will help teach you the best foods to be consuming.

Simple carbohydrates are found in highly processed foods such as white bread, cookies, pizza and cakes. These foods have low nutritional value and are high in sugar. Complex carbs have not been processed at all or very little so that they still contain essential nutrients, whole wheat pasta or whole grain bread fall into this second category. They have been processed but not a lot and so your body can digest and use the nutrients mush more effectively.

It is not true that all carbs are bad for you in fact they are an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet. Unrefined carbohydrates contain all the nutrients which your body needs to process them and are satisfying foods which will leave you feeling fuller for longer.

The easiest way to identify complex carbohydrates is to look for foods in their natural state. Beans, pulses, grains, wild and brown rice and whole grain cereals are all examples of natural carbohydrates. Then there are the ones which have been processed a little such as multi grain or whole meal bread, whole wheat pasta and bran muffins. The list of complex carbs also includes some vegetables and fruits they tend to be the less sweet ones such as radishes, lettuce, spinach and prunes.

There are plenty of healthy carbohydrates and they should form part of a healthy diet. They are full of nutrients and will satisfy your hunger for a long time.