Which type of carbohydrates is primarily obtained from soft drinks and lacks nutritional value?

The correct answer is simple sugars, which are primarily found in soft drinks and often referred to as added sugars or free sugars. These sugars are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing a rapid source of energy, but they lack essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This absence of nutritional value is why they are considered "empty calories."

Soft drinks typically contain high amounts of simple sugars, such as sucrose or high fructose corn syrup, which contribute to their sweetness. The consumption of these sugars is linked to various health issues, including obesity, insulin resistance, and dental problems, chiefly due to their rapid metabolization and the lack of accompanying nutrients that would promote healthy metabolic processes.

On the other hand, complex carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and sugar alcohols offer different properties and benefits. Complex carbohydrates are found in whole grains and vegetables and contain more nutrients and fiber, while dietary fibers are crucial for digestive health and often lack caloric value. Sugar alcohols, found in some low-calorie sweeteners, provide fewer calories than simple sugars and are metabolized differently by the body. Their health impacts and caloric contributions differentiate them from simple sugars significantly.