Which of the following types of carbohydrates are considered simple carbohydrates?

Simple carbohydrates are characterized by their chemical structure and how quickly they are absorbed by the body. They consist of one or two sugar molecules, which makes them easy to digest and a quick source of energy.

The option that includes simple sugars like glucose and fructose accurately reflects this definition. Glucose is a monosaccharide, while fructose, found in fruits, is also a simple sugar (monosaccharide), showcasing the rapid absorption and immediate availability of energy characteristic of simple carbohydrates.

In contrast, whole grains and legumes are complex carbohydrates due to their higher fiber content and multi-sugar structures, which take longer to digest. Fruits and vegetables contain simple carbohydrates primarily in the form of natural sugars, but they are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to their classification as complex carbohydrates in terms of their overall nutritional profile. Sugar and syrup, while they do contain simple carbohydrates, do not represent the full spectrum of what constitutes simple carbs in the context of this question as clearly as the option that specifies simple sugars. Thus, simple sugars like glucose and fructose provide the most precise representation of simple carbohydrates.