Carbohydrates

A chemical structure that is made up of three or more sugars, which are usually linked together to form a chain(Polysaccharides)A higher nutritional value than simple carbohydratesHarder and takes much longer to digest therefore more nutritiousBroccoli, Beans, Whole Grains

Fun Facts

Foods high in carbs

What's a carbohydrate?

1 of the 4 organic compoundsMost abundant of the fourAlways form in a C,H,O ratio of 1:2:1

Monosaccharides: Single or simple sugarsExample: Fructose, GlucoseDisaccharides: Double sugars Example: Lactose, Sucrose (Table Sugar)Polysaccharides: A very large carbohydrate or macromoleculeExample: Starch (Made by Plants)

Provides energy and regulation of blood glucoseSparing the use of proteins for energyBreaks down fatty acids and preventing ketosisBiological recognition processesFlavor and SweetenersDietary fiber

Types of saccharides

Functions of Carbohydrates

Molecular Structure

Carbohydrates make up between 2 and 3 percent of the average person's body mass.Many people try using a low carb diet to lose weight, but we all need some carbohydrates to survive.Carbohydrates help to insure that our cells get the energy they need to perform well.

Composed of one or two sugars(Monosaccharides, Disaccharides)Very little nutritional value to the bodyEasier to digest Milk, Candy, Fruit, Cake

Complex Carbohydrates

Simple Carbohydrates