Carbohydrates Basics
The main source of energy in the human diet, composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
What are carbohydrates?
The form in which carbohydrates are stored in the liver and muscles.
What is glycogen?
The type of carbohydrate consisting of a single sugar molecule. Examples include glucose and fructose.
What are monosaccharides
The two main types of fiber.
soluble fiber and insoluble fiber
This hormone releases glycogen from the liver when blood sugar is low
glucagon
This type of carbohydrate is found in foods like sugar and fruit and provides quick energy.
What are simple carbohydrates?
This hormone is responsible for regulating blood glucose levels by facilitating its uptake into cells.
What is insulin?
What are disaccharides?
The type of carbohydrate consisting of two sugar molecules bonded together, such as sucrose.
Fiber has many health benefits, including helping with this common digestive issue like?
constipation
The range of normal blood glucose homeostasis, measured in mg/dL
70 to 100 mg/dL
The three primary types of carbohydrates found in plant-based foods.
What are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides?
This process converts excess glucose into glycogen for storage.
What is glycogenesis?
starch
A complex carbohydrate made up of many monosaccharide units, found in foods like grains and potatoes.
The recommended adequate intake (AI) of fiber per day for adults.
25 to 38 grams
What is the glycemic index?
This index measures how much a food raises blood glucose levels.
The recommended dietary reference intake (DRI) for carbohydrates in adults aged 19-30.
What is 130 grams per day?
The metabolic process where the body breaks down glycogen to release glucose.
glycogenolysis
What is fiber?
This type of carbohydrate cannot be digested by humans but plays a crucial role in digestive health.
Unrefined grains are also called this
whole grains
A sweetener made from corn starch that is high in fructose and commonly used in processed foods.
high-fructose corn syrup
The percentage range of daily calorie intake that should come from carbohydrates.
What is 45% to 65%?
The condition in which the body produces ketones due to a lack of available carbohydrates.
ketosis
This natural sweetener found in fruits is also known as fruit sugar.
fructose
A fiber-related disease where small pouches form in the digestive tract and can become inflamed.
diverticular disease
What is glycemic load?
This type of load measures the total effect of mixed meals on blood glucose levels.