Final answer:
carbohydrates serve as the main energy source for the body in the form of glucose, which is derived from the digestion of carbohydrates such as sugars and starches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that carbohydrates are nutrients that supply the main energy source for the body, in the form of sugars.
Carbohydrates are a macronutrient found in many foods and are important in our diet. They mainly provide energy to the body through glucose, which is a simple sugar and a key component of many starches. When we ingest carbohydrates, they are broken down into sugars like glucose, which are absorbed and used by our cells to produce energy (in the form of ATP). This process is especially crucial for the brain and muscles, which heavily rely on glucose for proper function.
While carbohydrates are not technically required for survival (as the body can synthesize glucose from other nutrients), they are considered the primary and most efficient source of energy. This is because carbohydrates can be readily converted into glucose, which is the easiest molecule for our cells to metabolize. Interestingly, although they are synonymous with energy, carbohydrates also play a role in the structure of cell membranes and molecules like DNA and RNA.