CARBOHYDRATE S Bodys main source of energy Contents

CARBOHYDRATE S Body’s main source of energy

Contents Sugars Starches Fibers Nearly all carbohydrates come from plant sources, except for the natural sugar in milk.

Types Monosaccharide=single sugar units. These are the smallest carbohydrate molecule. Glucose=blood sugar because it circulates in the bloodstream. It is a source of body energy. Fructose=has the sweetest taste of all sugars. It occurs naturally in fruits and honey. Galactose= does not occur alone as a monosaccharide in foods. Instead it is found bonded to glucose.

Types Cont. Disaccharides=made up of two sugar The body splits disaccharides into units. monosaccharide during digestion. Sucrose=sugar you use in recipes or add to foods. Lactose=is found in milk, serves as a source of energy for breast-fed infants. Maltose=is made of two glucose molecules that are bonded together. It is formed during digestion of starch.

Fiber Polysaccharide=made up of many sugar units. Storage form of energy in plants. Grain products, such as breads and cereals, and starchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes, and legumes are high in starch. Made up of tough, fibrous cell walls of plants.

Fiber cont. Found only in plant foods. Human digestive enzymes cannot digest fibers, but bacteria in the digestive tract can break down some fibers. This carbohydrates provides almost no energy.

Simple carbohydrates Because of their simple molecular structures, monosaccharide and disaccharides are simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are high in simple sugars. Table sugar, candy, syrups and soft drinks.

Complex carbohydrates Polysaccharides have a larger, more intricate molecular structure. Foods that are high in starch and fiber. Breads, cereals, rice, pasta, vegetables.

Functions of Carbohydrates Provide energy Spare protein Assist in breakdown of fats Provide bulk in the diet.

Energy Provide 4 calories of energy per gram Are the preferred source of energy because your body can use them so efficiently. If you don’t consume enough your body will pull energy from protein.

Spare Protein is less efficiently then carbohydrates.

Break Down If your diet is low in, the body cannot completely break down fats. Incompletely broken down fats form compounds called ketone bodies. These compounds then collect in the bloodstream, causing the blood to become more acidic than normal. This acidity can damage cells and organs. This condition is called ketosis.

Bulk Helps promote normal digestion and elimination of body waste. Muscles in your digestive tract need a healthy workout. Fiber is the solid material that provides this workout. Fiber acts as a sponge. It absorbs water, which softens stools and helps prevent constipation. Which in turn helps eliminate the likelihood of hemorrhoids.

Other Fiber Benefits As fiber swells, it helps you feel full. Fiber also slows the rate at which the stomach empties. Fibrous food sources are usually lower in calories than foods high in fat. Lower risks of colon cancer Lower the risks of heart disease Control diabetes

Insulin After you eat, the amount of glucose in your body increases. A hormone called insulin is released from the pancreas. Insulin helps the body lower blood glucose back to a normal level. It does this by triggering body cells to burn glucose for energy.