ARE CARBS SUGAR? DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CARBS, CARBOHYDRATES AND SUGAR?

Are Carbs Sugar? Knowing the Difference Between Carbs, Sugar, and Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are perhaps the most discussed nutrient in the context of health and nutrition. Mostly people ask: 

"Are carbs sugar? Are carbs and sugar the same thing?"

It makes sense to be confused, Let's understand step by step, what is the difference between carbs, carbohydrates and sugar?

What Are Carbohydrates?

There are three types of macronutrients: 

• Carbohydrates (also called simply as "carbs")
• Proteins
• Lipids (fats)

Types of Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates has further categories:

• Sugars (Simple Carbs): Fast-digesting carbs such as glucose, fructose (fruit sugar), and lactose (milk sugar). We can feel its sweetness because, its molecules are small.
• Starches (Complex Carbs): In foods such as potatoes, grains, and corn. We cannot feel its sweetness because its molecules are very large than our taste buds. 
• Fiber: This type of carbs is indigestible by humans. It is digested by bacteria living in gut, for better gut health.

So carbs (or carbohydrates) are found in almost every food. e.g.

Bread, rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, beans and legumes

Are Carbs Sugar?

No. All sugars are carbs, but not all carbs are sugars. 

Sugar is only one kind of carbohydrate, sometimes referred to as a simple carb because it's quickly digested.

Carbs are made up of sugars, starches, and fiber together.

For instance, a fruit like an apple does contain natural sugar (fructose), but it also consists of fiber and starch, and so it is more than sugar alone.

Carbs vs. Sugar: What's the Difference?

Carbohydrates (Carbs)                                                             

• General category of nutrients.                                               
• Comprises sugar, starch, fiber.                                      
• Healthy when whole grains, fruits, vegetables.                                                                            
• Gives energy and maintains body functions.                                                                              

Sugar

• A variety of carbohydrate.
• Contains only simple carbs.
• Can be natural (fruit, milk) or added  (cakes, soda).
• Gives quick energy but causes spikes in blood sugar.

The Difference Between Carbs and Carbohydrates

This is easy: carbs and carbohydrates are same.
"Carbs" is simply the informal, everyday term for carbohydrates.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Carbs

Healthy Carbs

• Whole grains (brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Beans and legumes
• Nuts and seeds

        👉  These contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and sustained energy.

Unhealthy Carbs

• Refined sugar (candies, soda, desserts)
• White bread, pastries, and processed foods

         👉 These can cause blood sugar spikes, weight gain, and health problems if eaten in excess.

Conclusion:

• Carbohydrates = carbs (same thing).
• Sugar is a carb, but not all carbs are sugar.
• Carbs include sugar, starch, and fiber.

Tip:

"Eat healthy carbs such as fruits, veggies, 

and whole grains rather than refined

sugars to attain good health.😇"