What are Carbs?
A carbohydrate is categorized as what type of nutrient?
Macronutrient
Name 2 areas in the body that utilize glucose.
Brain, muscle, red blood cells, organs
Name 2 side effects of not having enough carbohydrates in your diet
headache, fatigue, dizziness, muscle weakness, low blood sugar, constipation, nausea, difficulty sleeping, brain fog, mood swings, forgetfulness etc.
Carbs are stored here and released between meals and snacks when blood glucose levels start to drop so that you body can maintain a normal blood glucose level.
Liver
Name 3 sources of complex carbs
beans, peas, whole wheat bread
What is the main role of carbohydrates?
Fuel! Provide energy for our cells.
Why do we need carbohydrates?
Fuel for the Body and Brain
Protection
Digestion and Hydration
Mood, Sleep and Appetite
For maximum functioning, what percentage (range) of your daily food intake needs to come from carbohydrates?
At least 45-65%
Muscles store glucose in this form
Glycogen
Sugar causes diabetes. True or false? Why?
False. Neither sugar nor other carbs cause diabetes. The causes are complex with many contributing factors.
What part of your body utilizes carbohydrates for energy the most? (2 acceptable answers)
Brain and muscles
83 countries have implemented dietary guidelines that educate citizens about eating/food. Of those, how many recommend at least 45% of our meal plan to include carbohydrates?
What happens to muscle if you are not supplying your body with enough carbs?
It will break down protein found in muscle, body tissues, and organs for energy. Carbs are "protein sparing."
This organ cannot store glucose, therefore needs a constant supply of carbohydrate.
The Brain
Carbohydrates cause a release of _____ which can help improve mood.
Serotonin
The main form of carbohydrate used for energy.
Glucose (sugars)
Can the human body use other macronutrients to fuel the brain, organs, and tissues?
Yes, but this is back up mechanism to keep us alive so we are able to find carbohydrates.
Individuals with diabetes need to avoid carbs. True or False?
False. They need to eat carbohydrates consistently throughout the day to keep blood sugar stable and maintain health.
There are two main categories of carbohydrates:
This hormone is released to help us process carbohydrates
insulin
What are the three primary forms of carbohydrates?
Sugars
Starches
Fiber
90-95% of serotonin (a neurotransmitter that stabilizes our mood or "happy hormone") is made in________
the gut/stomach/gastrointestinal tract
What type of carbohydrate supports the beneficial bacteria in our digestive system?
Fiber (soluble and insoluble)
Name 3 benefits of carbohydrates
improves mood, provided energy, nourishes gut bacteria etc.
This hormone is released if our blood glucose falls too low
glucagon