Definition: The amount of carbohydrate in a food that the body is able to utilize for energy. Since fiber is a carbohydrate which "passes through" the gastrointestinal tract, it is subtracted from the total carbohydrate count. This concept was original promoted by the authors who wrote Protein Power. Some systems (such as Atkins) also deduct all or part of some ingredients such as sugar alcohols - this is usually called Net Carbs.
Also Known As: Usable Carbs, Utilizable Carbohydrates, Net Carbs, Net Impact Carbs, Net Atkins Count
Examples: One cup of raw broccoli flowerets has a total of about 4 grams of carbohydrates. However, 2 of those grams come from fiber. Since the body gets no calories from the fiber portion (and there is no rise in blood sugar from it), we say that there are 2 grams ECC in the broccoli.
