WHAT IS CARBOHYDRATES?

Carb Basics & Function

Carbohydrates are a group of organic compounds that serve as a primary source of energy in the human diet and many other living organisms. They are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms and come in various forms, including sugars, starches, and fibers.

                                                                             

Carbohydrates are classified into three main types based on their structure:

Monosaccharides: These are the simplest form of carbohydrates and cannot be broken down into smaller units. Common examples include glucose (also known as blood sugar), fructose (found in fruits), and galactose.

Disaccharides: Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharide molecules combine through a chemical reaction, resulting in a double sugar molecule. Examples include sucrose (table sugar, composed of glucose and fructose), lactose (found in milk, composed of glucose and galactose), and maltose (found in grains, composed of two glucose molecules).

Polysaccharides: These are complex carbohydrates composed of multiple monosaccharide units linked together. They can be further categorized as storage polysaccharides and structural polysaccharides. Starch, found in plants, and glycogen, found in animals, are examples of storage polysaccharides. Cellulose, a major component of plant cell walls, is a structural polysaccharide.

Carbohydrates play a crucial role in providing energy to the body, especially the brain and muscles. When consumed, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose in the digestive system and then absorbed into the bloodstream. The body can use glucose as immediate energy or store it as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use.

<script type="text/javascript"> atOptions = { 'key' : '9e4356059a15d949e04b41798704713a', 'format' : 'iframe', 'height' : 90, 'width' : 728, 'params' : {} }; </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//www.topcreativeformat.com/9e4356059a15d949e04b41798704713a/invoke.js"></script>

It's important to note that while carbohydrates are essential for energy, not all sources of carbohydrates are equal in terms of nutritional value. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes offer more nutrients and fiber, while sugary foods and processed carbohydrates provide quick energy but lack essential nutrients. A balanced diet should include a variety of carbohydrates from healthy sources to support overall health and well-being.