WHAT ARE CARBOHYDRATES?
Carbohydrates are a class of organic chemical compounds, made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and are found in plant and animal cells. Carbohydrates are our bodies prime source of energy. When we consume carbohydrates, the salivary enzyme amylase immediately begins breaking down the polysaccharides. Once the stomach acid kills the bacteria, the effects of amylase have stopped. Then our pancreas releases amylase again which breaks down the polysaccharides into disaccharides. Next more enzymes, lactase, sucrose and maltase break down the disaccharides into the monosaccharide, glucose. The nutrients are later absorbed in the small intestine, and the glucose is sent out into our bloodstream as blood sugar which provides us with the necessary energy. Every type of carbohydrate, whether simple or complex is digested in our body as glucose. "Simple carbohydrates are molecules of single sugar units or pairs of small sugar units bonded together", and are found in candy, soda, and sweeteners used in cakes and cookies. Complex sugars are molecules of long chains of multiple simple sugars linked together, and can be found in pasta, whole grains, breads, cereals, legumes, and vegetables. Complex carbs or ideal compared to simple sugars, because it takes longer for the body to process the sugar molecules which causes glucose to be slowly released into the blood for longer time. This avoids sugar rushes, and regulating blood sugar levels provides longer lasting energy. Complex sugars also provide more commonly provide more nutritional value than simple sugars, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Simple sugars, however, also include fruit and fruit juices. Whole fruit is acceptable, but fruit juices should be consumed in moderation. Make sure to have a diet containing a variety of carbohydrates that make up at least 40% of your daily consumption.
The molecular formula of carbohydrates is:
(CH2O)n = carbohydrates (carbon and water [hydrogen and oxygen])
And n usually is between 3 and 7
Monosaccharides:
(examples: Glucose [dextrose], Fructose [fruit sugar], & Galactose)
Monosaccharides are a single unit of sugar. It is the smallest and simplest form of a saccharide molecule.
Disaccharides:
(examples: Sucrose [table sugar], Lactose [mils sugar], & Maltose)
Disaccharides are made up of two monosaccharide sugar molecules.
Polysaccharides:
(examples: Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose, & Amylose)
Polysaccharides are made up of three or more monosaccharide molecules.
(CH2O)n = carbohydrates (carbon and water [hydrogen and oxygen])
And n usually is between 3 and 7
Monosaccharides:
(examples: Glucose [dextrose], Fructose [fruit sugar], & Galactose)
Monosaccharides are a single unit of sugar. It is the smallest and simplest form of a saccharide molecule.
Disaccharides:
(examples: Sucrose [table sugar], Lactose [mils sugar], & Maltose)
Disaccharides are made up of two monosaccharide sugar molecules.
Polysaccharides:
(examples: Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose, & Amylose)
Polysaccharides are made up of three or more monosaccharide molecules.