There are two types of carbohydrates: Simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates or sugar can be monosaccharides (one strand) or disaccharides (two strands), these sugars are generally used to provide us with quick energy. Complex carbohydrates are long strands of sugar that are arranged in 2 forms, starches or fiber. Starches are a plant based polysaccharide (many strands) that is digestible by human beings. Fiber is the indigestible residue of foods that are composed mostly of polysaccharides. There are two types of fiber, insoluble, which do not dissolve in water and soluble, which either dissolve or swell when in water.
Total Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are generally used to provide us with quick energy. Complex carbohydrates are either made up of starches or fiber.