List of Carb Foods

Carbohydrates are a natural source of energy that the body uses primarily for energy production. While there are literally thousands of types of carbohydrates available as healthy food sources, they're not all the same. Some simple carbohydrates such as cakes, candy and sweetened sodas are easy to recognize and can make your blood glucose levels skyrocket. Others such as whole grains and pasta take longer to digest and are better choices for maintaining blood glucose. If you're a diabetic, it's particularly important that you understand where carbohydrates are found and their effect on your blood sugar.

Grains

Some of the best quality carbohydrates to include in your diet are complex carbohydrates that originate as grains. Complex carbohydrates are chains of glucose molecules. Because of their structure, complex carbohydrates from grains take longer to digest, so they tend to stabilize blood glucose levels. Some of the best carbs from grains include barley, cornmeal, couscous, millet, oat bran, rice bran and wheat bran. Some, like oatmeal, help to lower your cholesterol.

Fruits

Carbohydrates in fruits are often easy to distinguish because of their sweet taste. They're also beneficial because they contain vitamins and minerals and they're high in fiber. Many fruits take longer to digest, so they're perfect for diabetics learning how to manage their blood glucose levels.

Good sources of carbohydrates from fruits include apples, bananas, cherries, dates, guavas, lemons, nectarines, peaches and plums. Some fruits cause your blood glucose to rise faster than others, so become familiar with the glycemic index of the fruits you enjoy.

Vegetables

Many people, especially diabetics conscious of their blood glucose levels, are surprised to discover that carbohydrates are in many of their favorite vegetables. While they tend to make your blood glucose spike less than fruits, vegetables still contain carbs and should be mixed with fats and proteins.

Good sources of vegetables with carbs include asparagus, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, onions, peppers, pumpkins and spinach. Most vegetable sources are relatively lower in carbs than fruits and grains, but do your research before indulging in your favorites.

Hidden Carbohydrates

If depending on carbohydrate intake was as easy as categorizing foods into whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, it would be easy to control your carbohydrate intake. But carbohydrates are also hidden in some unlikely foods. Some examples include cold cuts, bacon, nondairy creamer, canned seafood and hot dogs. Many of these foods with hidden carbohydrates are also labeled "low fat."