Breaking Carbohydrates

There are many vitamins and nutrients in the foods people eat, and one of the three main ways the body obtains energy or calories is through carbohydrates. The sugars, starches, and fibers found in vegetables, grains, fruits and milk products are called carbohydrates and are important to a healthy life. They are macronutrients and are the body's main source of energy.

At the chemical level, carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The other two important macronutrients are protein and fats. Each is vital for proper functioning of the body and large amounts of them are needed. The macronutrients, including the carbohydrates, cannot be produced by the body on its own, but they must be obtained through the foods people eat.

• are macromolecules or polymers

• made of monomers called monosaccharides

• contain C, H. and O

• provide energy and structural support

• Monosacharide= one sugar

• Disaccharide= two sugars

• Polysaccharide= many sugars

• made by dehydration synthesis

• Sucrose=table sugar

• Lactose=sugar found in milk

• Maltose= formed when polysaccharides break down

• Starch =how plants store their extra sugar

• Glycogen= how animals store their extra sugar

• Cellulose=builds plant cell walls

• Chitin=builds the exoskeletons of crabs and insects

• Made by the process of dehydration synthesis

Getting carbohydrates from nutritious foods is important because no sugars were added to them. In addition, they contain vitamins, fiber, and important nutrients like calcium. Some foods, like candy bars and other sugary foods, have sugar but do not contain the necessary nutrients for the body.

There are two major types of carbohydrates, often referred to as 'carbs', in foods- simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are also called simple sugars and can be found in refined sugars such as the white sugar found in sugar bowls. Simple sugars are found in nutritious foods too such as fruit and milk.

The second type is called complex carbohydrates and is also called starches. They can be found in grain products such as pasta, bread, crackers, and rice. As with simple sugars, there are better choices of nutritious foods that contain complex carbohydrates. There are refined grains. Such as white flour and white rice, removes nutrients and fiber after being processed.

Unrefined grains contain the vitamins and minerals the body needs for good health, plus they are rich in fiber which helps the digestive system work effectively. When a person eats fiber, it helps the stomach feel full and less overeating occurs. For example, a bowl of oatmeal, which contains fiber, will fill up a person better than some sugary candy, and both have the same number of calories.

Once the carbohydrates enter the body, the body breaks them down into simple sugars and are then absorbed into the bloodstream. The sugar level then rises in the body. Next, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin, which is needed to move sugar from the blood into the cells. The sugar is then used as an energy source for the body.



If the process goes too fast, as with the simple sugars, the body will feel hungry again. However, when the process takes longer as with whole-grain foods, the full feeling will be longer. The whole-grain foods will then give the person energy over a long period of time.

Many scientists believe that some foods with a lot of simple sugars make the blood sugar level rise more quickly than others. The foods that cause an increase in the blood sugar level may lead to health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Limiting foods with the simple sugars or simple carbohydrates and eating more complex carbohydrates will be healthier for the body. The best foods to eat are vegetables, oatmeal, and whole-grain wheat bread.

carbohydrates provide fuel for the body, for the central nervous system, and energy for working muscles. They are important for brain function and an influence on mood, memory, etc., as well as a quick energy source. In summary, there are good carbs that are healthy and there are bad carbs, which rarely have any nutritional value.

​a molecule that can be bonded

​Cellulose is the main substance in the walls of plant cells, helping plants to remain stiff and upright. Humans cannot digest cellulose, but it is important in the diet as fibre. Fibre assists your digestive system – keeping food moving through the gut and pushing waste out of the body.

• Soluble fiber attracts water and turns to gel during digestion. This slows digestion. Soluble fiber is found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables. It is also found in psyllium, a common fiber supplement. Some types of soluble fiber may help lower risk of heart disease.

• Insoluble fiber is found in foods such as wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains. It adds bulk to the stool and appears to help food pass more quickly through the stomach and intestines. (consume in moderation)

​Types of Fiber

​For each item, also include the amount of total carb, sugar, and fiber with in it, as well as the amount of vitamins and minerals. Determine whether its nutrient dense.

Then place it in the appropriate category.

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-The importance of carbs and childrens health and development.