What_Are_Carbohydrates_

What are carbohydrates: A carbohydrate is an organic compound which has the empirical formula Cm(H2O)n; that is, consists only of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, with a hydrogen:oxygen atom ratio of 2:1 (as in water). Carbohydrates can be viewed as hydrates of carbon, hence their name. Structurally however, it is more accurate to view them as polyhydroxy aldehydes and ketones. The term is most common in biochemistry, where it is a synonym of saccharide. The carbohydrates (saccharides) are divided into four chemical groupings: monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. In general, the monosaccharides and disaccharides, which are smaller (lower molecular weight) carbohydrates, are commonly referred to as sugars. The word saccharide comes from the Greek word σάκχαρον (sákkharon), meaning "sugar". While the scientific nomenclature of carbohydrates is complex, the names of the monosaccharides and disaccharides very often end in the suffix -ose. For example, blood sugar is the monosaccharide glucose, table sugar is the disaccharide sucrose, and milk sugar is the disaccharide lactose (see illustration). Carbohydrates perform numerous roles in living things. Polysaccharides serve for the storage of energy (e.g., starch and glycogen) and as structural components (e.g., cellulose in plants and chitin in arthropods). The 5-carbon monosaccharide ribose is an important component of coenzymes (e.g., ATP, FAD, and NAD) and the backbone of the genetic molecule known as RNA. The related deoxyribose is a component of DNA. Saccharides and their derivatives include many other important biomolecules that play key roles in the immune system, fertilization, preventing pathogenesis, blood clotting, and development.[2] In food science and in many informal contexts, the term carbohydrate often means any food that is particularly rich in the complex carbohydrate starch (such as cereals, bread and pasta) or simple carbohydrates, such as sugar (found in candy, jams and desserts). What is the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates' Carbohydrates are divided into two types, simple and complex. The classification is based on the chemical structure and reflects how quickly sugar is digested and absorbed. 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. How are sugars are broken down and used in the body' Sugar works in the body as a source of energy. Sugars can be found in many foods and can be classified into two categories: complex and simple. An example of a simple sugar is table sugar itself, and a complex sugar is found in bread or rice, for example. When complex sugars are introduced into the body, they are first broken down into simple sugars so that they can be used. Enzymes from the mouth start the process of breaking down the complex molecules. Once the breakdown has started, the sugar makes its way to the stomach so that all food can be digested. Digestion breaks down substances into molecules small enough to go through the stomach lining into the bloodstream. Sugar is one of the substances that goes into the bloodstream and is sent to cells along with glycerol, fatty acids and amino acids. Once in the cells, the sugars are broken apart into carbon dioxide and water over time. This will happen with many different chemical reactions within the cell as the cell releases the energy brought in by the sugar. The sugar itself is made up of a combination of oxygen, carbon and hydrogen that are kept together by chemical bonds. The bonds are an attraction that pulls the particles together, and that attraction is the energy that is released as each bond is broken. A simple sugar is held together with about 24 bonds. As each one is broken, energy is released that can be used by the cell. The cell can also create a different compound with various elements and store it for later use, when it might need energy for such things as repairs. How Are Sugars Broken Down in the Body' | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5200487_sugars-broken-down-body_.html#ixzz1Buv0JNpL What are the benefits that carbohydrates provide to the body' Carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients that your body requires to function effectively. Despite what you may think about them, carbs can give your body numerous health benefits. In this article I am going to be discussing four of the top carbohydrate health benefits. 1) THEY PROVIDE YOUR BODY WITH ENERGY:- The main role of carbohydrates is to give your body the energy it needs. When you eat carbs your body breaks them down into glucose. This glucose is then transported to the cells that reqyure energy via your bloodstream. Although your body can use fats and proteins for energy this process is very inefficient. Therefore, one benefit of eating carbohydrates is that they provide your body with an efficient, easy access energy source. 2) THEY ARE RICH IN PHYTONUTRIENTS:- Phytonutrients are protective chemicals that can be found in many plants. Different phytonutrients have different characteristics. Some act as antioxidants which protect your body from free radicals (harmful by-products that are released when your body uses oxygen) whilst others help protect your body from bacteria and disease. Plant based carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables often contain these protective phytonutrients making them a very worthwhile addition to your diet. 3) THEY ARE A GOOD SOURCE OF FIBRE:- Fibre has many health benefits. The most well known of these is that it promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. However, fibre also promotes good bowel health, protects you from a variety of diseases, keeps your blood glucose levels stable and helps you fully absorb the nutrients from your food. Certain carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and wholemeal products contain high levels of fibre and by eating these you can enjoy all the benefits listed. 4) THEY ARE A GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMINS:- Vitamins are micronutrients that help your body perform vital functions. They help your body break down food for energy, assist with cell production, support a strong immune system and more. Fruits and vegetables are rich in a variety of vitamins. Therefore, by eating natural carbohydrates (such as fruits and vegetables) you can realise multiple health benefits. |If you choose your carbohydrates wisely they can be a very valuable addition to your diet. Eating fruits and vegetables on a | |regular basis can give you all the health benefits listed in this article. Therefore, if you are not eating a variety of fruits | |and vegetables on a regular basis try and add the to your diet. |