Carbohydrates

   Carbohydrates, or sugar molecules, are one of the three main nutrients found in foods and drinks. What makes carbohydrates so special is that Carbohydrates break down very easily into simple sugars that the body uses for fuel. 

Carbohydrates' structure:

Carbohydrates are in the form of rings, and they are made up of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. Which makes The general formula of carbohydrates is CnH2nOn.

                              

Types of carbohydrates

The monomers that makeup carbohydrates are monosaccharides. There are 3 types of carbohydrates.

 1- Monosaccharides 

(galactose, fructose, and glucose),

 which consist of one ring.  

2- Disaccharides 

(sucrose [glucose+fructose],

 maltose [glucose+glucose],

 and lactose [galactose+glucose] ), 

which consist of 2 rings.

3- Polysaccharides

 (fiber, starch, and glycogen),

 have more than 2 rings. 

• Potatoes, bread, cereals, and rice are all foods that contain polysaccharides.

The second two types are all formed from the different combinations of monosaccharides, which is how they are broken back into them by living organisms for fuel.  

Carbohydrates' function:

Since carbohydrates are broken down so quickly and easily, one of their main functions is being a short-term energy source. Another main function of carbohydrates is their role in providing structural support to cells, as they are part of nucleic acids, cell membranes, and cell walls. Carbohydrates are made of polar bonds, which makes them hydrophilic; meaning they are soluble in water. 

How can you include carbohydrates in your diet?

Carbohydrates are a very important part of your diet. Carbohydrates provide the body with fuel: glucose. Glucose supports bodily functions and mental and physical activity. This is why it is important to understand just how much carbohydrates you are supposed to consume a day.

Your diet should be composed of around 30-50 percent carbs.