Carbohydrates :
- Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy . These are mainly present in the form of sugar (glucose) and starch in human body and cellulose in other animals such as Cow, goat etc. The cellulose can't be digested in the human digestive tract so they are termed as non-available carbohydrates. On the other hand starch and sugar are absorbed in human digestive tract so it is termed as available carbohydrates. Generally carbohydrates consists of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which are present in the ratio of 1:2:1 i.e. C1H2O1 . One should take up to 40-60% of carbohydrates in his diet. Carbohydrates provide 4.1 cal/g of energy. One must include 50-100 g of carbohydrates in regular diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Depending upon the chemical structure These are of three types :
- Monosaccharide : also called simple carbohydrates. These are single units of sugar such as lactose , suarose etc. These are quick foods and also digest quickly. These are soluble in water and are sweet in taste.
- Disaccharides : made when two Monosaccharides are combined together such as glucose + sucrose , glucose + maltose etc . Sources : raw sugar , honey , brown sugar , milk, vegetables etc.
- Polysaccharides : Also called complex carbo. These are made when more than 3 units of Monosaccharide are combined together. These digest slowly. These are insoluble in water and are savory in taste . sources : green vegetables, grain , oatmeal , pasta , noodles , potatoes etc.
Functions of carbohydrates :
- carbohydrates are helpful in generation of energy.
- It helps in breakdown of proteins and fats.
- These are necessary for preventing dehydration.
- carbohydrates protect the body from various toxins.
- It takes care of the functional activities of the cells.