Carbohydrates Sci 241 Nutrition

Carbohydrates Sci 241 Nutrition

What Are Carbohydrates?

  Carbohydrates are an ideal energy supplier for the body. Carbohydrates feed the body energy to help maintain it for regular functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and food absorption. Carbohydrates provide the body with energy to perform normal daily activities such as walking, running, and other physical activities. The more work the body engages in, the more carbohydrates it needs to consume to maintain energy levels and proper body function such as “digestion, assimilation (metabolism) and oxidation of protein and fat” (Utah Lessonplans [UL], 1997).
    Carbohydrates are in the largest part of the food we consume each day. Plants are a main source of most carbohydrates; however, some milk products contain carbohydrates from lactose. Most carbohydrates resources include foods made from grain and foods that contain sugar.

Complex Carbohydrates

      Carbohydrates differ by each identified by differing groups named simple and complex. “Complex carbohydrates or polysaccharides are composed of simple sugar units in long chains called polymers” (Rasberry, 2007). Starch, glycogen, and dietary fiber are three complex carbohydrates that are the most important to the body’s nourishment. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest than other types of carbohydrates because they most often contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Examples of complex carbohydrates are bread, oats, cereal, pasta, rice, beans, and peas. Some vegetables such as potatoes, broccoli, and corn are also excellent sources of complex carbohydrates.

Simple Carbohydrates

      Simple Carbohydrates, also called simple sugars are usually made of one or more sugars. Examples of simple carbohydrates are soda pop, candy bars, corn syrup, powered sugar, maple syrup, and honey. Fruit, fruit juice, and some milk products are simple carbohydrates, however are much healthier for our bodies than snacks containing sucrose (table sugar) such as pastries, cakes...