Carbohydrates are formed from the combination of sugar molecules and are found in plants and milk.
According to how sugar molecules formed together, carbohydrates are classified into four groups: mono -, di-, oligo-, and poly-saccharides. From a nutrition perspective, sugars, starches, and dietary fibers are the three main forms of carbohydrates.
What is the function of Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates provide calories, or “energy,” for the body. Each gram of carbohydrate provides 4 calories. The digestion process breakdowns all carbohydrates into simple sugars called glucose, fructose, and galactose. The stomach and small intestines absorb the glucose and then release it into the bloodstream. The liver converts fructose and galactose into glucose and releases them into the bloodstream. The concentration of glucose in the bloodstream is measured as blood sugar levels.
The single sugar glucose is the body’s primary source of energy. However, when considering human health, how fast and how much glucose enters the bloodstream matters. The digestion and conversion process of carbohydrates varies according to their structure, causing different blood sugar levels. Once consumed, sugar is ready to enter the bloodstream after a short digestion process. It causes rapid blood sugar spikes that disrupt blood sugar and hormone levels. In contrast, dietary fiber takes time to digest and has a lower impact on blood sugar levels.
In the US the daily value for carbohydrates are defined as 275g per day.
Are all Carbohydrates the same?
Simply no. Please read sugars and fibers.
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