notes/education/nutrition/Carbohydrates.md
2024-10-01 12:30:46 -06:00

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  • Carbohydrates are a class of nutrients that is a major source of energy for the body
    • Can also server as a glue that holds cells togehter
    • Classified as simple or complex
  • Plants are rich sources of carbohydrates There are 3 categories of carbs.

Sugars

  • A monosaccharide is a simple sugar that is the basic molecule of carbohydrates:

    • Glucose: Primary fuel for muscles, nerves, and other cells, the most common.
    • Fructose: In fruits, honey, and certain vegetables
    • Galactose: Component of lactose
  • A disaccharaide is a simple sugar comprised of two monosaccharides.

    • Maltose: Disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules "malt sugar"
    • Sucrose: Disaccharide composed of a glucose and fructose molecule "table sugar"
    • Lactose: Disaccharide composed of a glucose and a galactose molecule "milk sugar"
  • High fructose corn syrup is a syrup obtained from the processing of corn

  • No conclusive evidence that the use of HFCS causes poor health and disease

  • Excessive calories from beverages sweetened with HFCS contributes to increased risk for diabetes and heart disease

Starches

Fiber