3. CARBOHYDRATES DEFINED
• Carbohydrates are sugars that provides the body with energy.
Carbohydrate rich foods in their natural state are low in calories and
high in fiber. Except for fiber and resistant starch, carbohydrates cause
more and faster blood glucose rises than the other macronutrients.
Fiber and resistant starch are not digested in the small intestine, but
have many positive effects. Simple carbohydrates are single sugar
molecules or two sugar molecules that have joined together where as
complex carbohydrates, otherwise known as starches ,are comprised of
many sugar molecules which are all connected.
4. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF SUGARS AND STARCHES IN
THE BODY
• The basic function of sugars and starches in
the body provides energy to cells in the body,
particularly the brain which is the only
carbohydrates dependent organ in the body.
5. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SIMPLEX AND
COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES
• Simple carbohydrates are also called simple sugars and are
chemically made of one or two sugars. A simple sugar can be just
what the name implies, the sugar in your sugar bowl. Things like
candy, syrups, and soda pop are also straightforward examples of
simple carbs. They are absorbed quickly -- just think how fast sugar-
based candy melts in your mouth.
• Simple carbs also include foods such as fruit and milk. These are
better sources of simple carbs because they contain vitamins and
fiber, and also important nutrients that your body needs, like
calcium.
• Complex carbohydrates are also known as starches and are made of
three or more linked sugars. Grains such as bread, pasta, oatmeal
and rice are complex carbs, as well as some vegetables like broccoli,
corn legumes such as kidney beans and chick peas. They take the
longest to digest.
7. BENEFITS OF CARBOHYDRATES
Energy Production
• Carbohydrates are the main source of energy and can be easily broken
down.
Muscle Tissue
• When the body needs immediate energy for performing physical activities,
it first uses glucose from carbohydrates for this purpose. If insufficient
amount of glucose from carbohydrates is available, then body converts
glycogen stored in the fatty tissues into glucose.
8. HEALTHY SOURCE OF CARBOHYDRATES
Brown Rice
Wheat
Fruit and Vegetables
Beans
Corn
9. LACTOSE INTOLERANCE
Lactose intolerance
Consult a doctor if you have a medical concern
Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance develops
when the small intestine does not make enough of an enzyme called lactase. The body needs this
enzyme to digest lactose.
12. REFERENCES
• WiseGeek (2013) Carbohydrates, retrieved July 7, 2013 from
www.wisegeek.com
• The National Academies Press (2013) Dietary Carbohydrates-sugar and
starches, retrieved July 7, 2013 from www.nap.edu
• About.com (2013) diabetes, retrieved July 7, 2013 from
www.diabetes.about.com
• Benefitsof.net (2013) Benefits of Carbohydrates, retrieved July 7, 2013
from www.benefitof.net
• Google Images (2013), retrieved July 7, 2013 www.google.com
Editor's Notes
Get energy from good sugar source such as fruit. The brain needs sugar to function, but to much sugar is harmful.
Simple carbohydrates are good for quick energy but usually do not provide fiber or other nutrients. Complex carbohydrates are a better choice and they provide energy, fiber and other nutrients for the body.
Your saliva has a chemical in it that changes the starch in the cracker into sugar. Sugar goes directly into your bloodstream where its energy is used by your body. But starchy foods have to be digested -- broken down into sugar -- before they can enter your blood. This digestion starts in your mouth when you chew starchy food and mix it well with saliva. Usually you swallow the cracker before you give yourself enough time to taste the change.
Carbohydrates are quite beneficial for the body
Fruits have a considerable amount of simple sugar; however, they are a source of good carbohydrates because of their significant fiber, vitamin and mineral content. beans contain significant amounts of starch, they are also very high in fiber and protein. Darker beans, such as black and pinto, are generally regarded as healthier options. Consumers should choose whole grain breads, brown rice, oatmeal and whole grain pasta as their primary sources of grain carbohydrates.
Lactose intolerance is a sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance is a condition that affects the digestive system and causes gastrointestinal systems. A milk protein allergy can produce these symptoms.
Reduce the amount of dairy products you eat. There is no treatment or cure for lactose intolerance.
