Which statement about complex carbohydrates is true?

Which statement about complex carbohydrates is true?

• A. Complex carbohydrates release energy quickly and briefly.
• B. Complex carbohydrates are starchy foods with a slower and longer-lasting energy release than simple carbohydrates.
• C. Complex carbohydrates should form 10 percent of daily intake.
• D. Complex carbohydrates are only found in meat products.

Answer: (B)

Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly than simple sugars because they are larger, more complex molecules (often with fiber) that take longer to break down. This slow digestion means energy is released gradually, giving a longer-lasting supply of energy rather than a quick spike. That’s why the true statement describes them as starchy foods that provide a slower and longer-lasting energy release than simple carbohydrates. They should form a large part of daily carbohydrate intake to support sustained energy, and they are not found only in meat, which contains little to no complex carbs. The other ideas—energy being released quickly and briefly, or only needing about 10% of daily intake—don’t fit because complex carbohydrates are the slower, more sustained energy source and typically occupy a larger portion of daily calories.

Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly than simple sugars because they are larger, more complex molecules (often with fiber) that take longer to break down. This slow digestion means energy is released gradually, giving a longer-lasting supply of energy rather than a quick spike. That’s why the true statement describes them as starchy foods that provide a slower and longer-lasting energy release than simple carbohydrates. They should form a large part of daily carbohydrate intake to support sustained energy, and they are not found only in meat, which contains little to no complex carbs. The other ideas—energy being released quickly and briefly, or only needing about 10% of daily intake—don’t fit because complex carbohydrates are the slower, more sustained energy source and typically occupy a larger portion of daily calories.