Carbohydrates: Dietary Reference Values

Carbohydrates are essential for a healthy diet as they provide energy.
Dietary Reference Values recommend carbohydrates should comprise approximately 50% of daily calorie intake.
Carbohydrates are of two types: simple (sugars) and complex (starches).
Simple carbohydrates are in fruits, milk, table sugar, while complex carbohydrates are in bread, pasta, potatoes, cereals.
Balanced intake of carbohydrates, especially consuming more complex carbohydrates and limiting simple carbohydrates, particularly from sugary and processed foods, is crucial.
Maintaining this balance helps to keep steady blood sugar levels, sustained energy and promotes overall health.