Carbohydrates

What are Carbs?

Body’s main source of energyCarbohydrates come in 3 forms

Should form the bulk of your diet

Large Part of Diet

Should contribute to 45-65% of diet calories per 1 gram of carbs

Best sources include whole grain productsDon’t eat too many!

Simple Carbohydrate

2 different types of carbs Simple Carbs

Glucose Fructose Galactose Sucrose Maltose Lactose

Referred to as sugar

Complex Carbohydrate

– Many glucose molecules bonded together

– Only found in plant foods Take longer to digest = better!

Supplies a steady, continuous supply of energy.

4 Functions of Carbohydrates

4 calories per gram If not enough carbs are being eaten, body draws on

proteins for energy

Body is less efficient when using protein for energy If protein is used for energy, they are unable to

maintain their correct roles in the human body

4 Functions of Carbohydrates

Diet low in carbs, cannot

completely break down fats in the body

Fiber does this

System aimed at classifying carbs based on how quickly and how high they boost blood sugar

High glycemic index = rapid spike in blood sugar

Low glycemic index = slower change in blood sugar

GI Decided By….

ProcessingType of starchFiber contentRipenessFat and acid contentPhysical form

Glycemic Index

Diets with many high glycemic index foods are linked to the following: Colorectal cancer

Diets with low glycemic index foods are linked to weight loss and shown to improve type 2 diabetes

Glycemic Index

Foods 70 and UP

=HIGH

Foods 55 and BELOW

=LOW

Too Many Carbs??

Overeating carbs may lead too…. Overweight / obesity