How structure affects function
What are the categories of carbohydrates?
Sugars, starches, and fibers
What is the purpose of a digestible carbohydrate?
provide the body with energy
What are the most common molecules on earth?
Carbohydrates!
What is an example of a healthy carb?
vegetables, fruits, whole grain food items
What are carbohydrates mostly found in?
plant-based foods.
like in grains, bread, and more.
*Exception in the carbohydrates is dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and etc.
Eating too many simple carbs can lead to what?
Weight gain
What is the smallest carbohydrate?
Sugars.
they are the smallest type of carbohydrates and are easily digested/absorbed.
What are unhealthy carbs?
Processed foods
(ex: potato chips and white bread)
and foods high in sugar
(ex: soda and manufactured baked goods
what are carbohydrates made out of?
monosaccharides and polysaccharides
How many calories does each carbohydrate contain per gram?
4 calories.
What is the only organ in the human body that cannot function without carbohydrates?
the brain
What kind of energy do unhealthy carbs give you?
short energy, because of all the sugar the will wear off quickly.
What are the building blocks of carbohydrates?
monosaccharides.
they are the monomers of carbs.
Monosaccharides are complex sugars that cannot be broken down. These are known as Glucose, fructose, galactose.
Glucose molecules have a hexagon shape and fructose molecules have a pentagon shape. This means that Carbohydrates have both a hexagon and pentagon shape.
digestive process: What are digestible carbohydrates is broken down into?
glucose.
Glucose is a major energy source for all cells of the human body; specifically the brain and spinal cord in addition to red blood cells.
What is your blood type determined by?
Your blood type is determined by the type of small carbohydrates attached to different proteins inside the membranes of an individual’s red blood cells.
What kind of energy do healthy carbs give you?
long energy, because these carbs are nutrient-dense which will last longer.
What kind of bonds are carbohydrates made of?
covalent bond; specifically a glycosidic bond
How are carbohydrates digested? (simplified)
The goal of carbohydrate digestion is to break down all disaccharides and complex carbohydrates into monosaccharides for absorption
What are monosaccharides and disaccharides?
Monosaccharides and disaccharides are called simple sugars.
They provide a major source of energy to the living body.
Is a diet heavily packed with carbs still considered healthy?
Yes, depending on the type of carbs.
A carbohydrate-rich diet improves athletic performance however it might not be for everyone.