Which type of carbohydrate is rich in dietary fiber and B vitamins?

Which type of carbohydrate is rich in dietary fiber and B vitamins?

• A. Simple carbohydrates
• B. Complex carbohydrates
• C. Refined carbohydrates
• D. Sugars

Answer: (B)

Complex carbohydrates come from foods where the edible plant parts are intact, like whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. These foods supply dietary fiber and B vitamins naturally—fiber from the bran and germ of grains and the cell walls of plants, and B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate found in whole grains and legumes. Since fiber isn’t digested and B vitamins support energy metabolism, complex carbohydrates are the category that naturally provides both of these nutrients. Simple carbohydrates are digested quickly and lack fiber; refined carbohydrates have fiber and many nutrients removed (though some B vitamins may be added back in), and sugars are plain simple carbohydrates with little to no fiber or micronutrients.

Complex carbohydrates come from foods where the edible plant parts are intact, like whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. These foods supply dietary fiber and B vitamins naturally—fiber from the bran and germ of grains and the cell walls of plants, and B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate found in whole grains and legumes. Since fiber isn’t digested and B vitamins support energy metabolism, complex carbohydrates are the category that naturally provides both of these nutrients. Simple carbohydrates are digested quickly and lack fiber; refined carbohydrates have fiber and many nutrients removed (though some B vitamins may be added back in), and sugars are plain simple carbohydrates with little to no fiber or micronutrients.