Carbohydrates

An organic compound that is the body’s main

source of energy

Sources:

Carbohydrates

Primary source of energy for body (short-term) Sugar is absorbed in the small intestine Glucose is used in various tissues and organs Excess sugar is stored as Glycogen in the liver

or in Adipose tissue as fat

Complex vs. Simple Carbohydrates Video

Function of Carbohydrates

Simple “Bad”Carbohydrates

Monosaccharide Very small molecules Exist in Pure Form Sugars –

Glucose – the building block of sugars

Fructose – fruit Galactose – Milk

products

Is Sugar Toxic Video?

Disaccharide Sucrose = Table

Sugar Glucose + Fructose

Lactose = Milk Sugar Glucose + Galactose

Polymer - A large molecule formed when small

molecules of the same kind chain together

Polysaccharides – Made of chemically linked mono-saccharides – from ten to several thousand

Examples: Starch – stored in seeds and roots Fiber – give plants their structure

Complex “Good” Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates

Structure of Starch

Amylose Linear molecules

Amylopectin Multiple branches

Structure of Fiber

Soluble Fiber (Dietary) Forms a gel Slows digestion

Insoluble Fiber Add bulk Laxative effect Do not dissolve

Cellulose Glucose polymer Strengthen the

plant’s cell walls and woody parts

Fiber Video

Based on a 2,000 Calorie Diet:

RDA:250 g Carbohydrates25-38 g Fiber

The average American only consumes 15 g of fiber per day.

How many carbs per day?

Carbohydrates = 4 calories/gram

How many calories from carbohydrates in one slice of this bread?

RDA

Ketosis

A dangerous metabolic state Body burns its own fat for fuel Results in kidney stones and organ failure

Increase in Cholesterol Increase risk of Osteoporosis

Excreting Calcium in urine Increase risk of Cancer

Depriving body of essential nutrients

Low-Carb Diets

http://www.leicestershirediabetes.org.uk/542.html http://www.newtreatments.org/scdietproof.php http://www.dotfit.com/content-1589.html http://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/content/carbohydrate http://www.webmd.com/diet/high-protein-low-carbohydrate-diets http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/h/what-is-the-function-of-complex-c

arbohydrates-in-the-body.html

Sources