Carbohydrates are sugar, starch, and fiber that can be found in everyday foods including fruits, grains, and dairy.
It is one of the three macronutrients that provide energy to the human body. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms make up the chemical features of carbohydrate biology.
Milk, yoghurt, bread, rice, potatoes, corn, whole fruits or fruit juice, candy, cookies, and other carbohydrate foods are examples.
Carbohydrates Come in a Variety of Forms
Carbohydrates are divided into two categories: simple and complex.
This classification is based mostly on their chemical structure and degree of polymerization.
Carbohydrates that are easy to digestSimple carbohydrates include one or two sugar molecules.
Carbohydrates like these can be found in abundance in dairy products, refined sugar, and other foods. These carbs are considered empty calories since they include no fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Simple carbs are further broken down into three types. The following are some of them:
Monosaccharides:
Monosaccharides are polyhydroxyaldehydes or -ketones with an unbranched C-chain in most cases. A carbohydrate is an organic molecule with the formula (CH2O) and a n > 3 number of carbon atoms.
Monosaccharides are the most basic type of sugar. Breaking down the monosaccharides glucose and harvesting the energy produced is how most organisms make and store energy.
The number of carbon atoms and the functional group associated to this form of glucose are used to classify it. Aldose is a monosaccharide that contains aldehyde, while ketose is a monosaccharide that contains a ketone group.
Disaccharides
Disaccharides are carbohydrates that, when hydrolyzed with acids or enzymes, provide two monosaccharide molecules that can be the same or different.
After the water molecule is lost, the oxide linkage is produced, and the two monosaccharides are formed by that bond. A glycosidic linkage occurs when two monosaccharide units are linked together by an oxygen atom.
Oligosaccharides
Oligosaccharides are carbohydrate molecules generated by the condensation of 2-9 monomers. Trioses, pentoses, and hexoses are all oligosaccharides by this definition.
Carbohydrates’ Major Functions Provide Necessary Fuel
Carbohydrates’ primary function is to provide fuel to human body cells, the central nervous system, and working muscles.
Individuals consume carbs through food, which are digested and broken down into glucose before entering the bloodstream. This glucose aids in the production of ATPs, which are then used by body cells to conduct numerous metabolic processes.
Store Excess glucose is then stored as energy for later use. Glycogen is a kind of glucose that is mostly found in the liver and muscles.
Carbohydrate Deficiency’s Consequences
Carbohydrate deficiency might result in major health problems. The human body struggles to function when it lacks sufficient energy.
For example, dizziness might occur when the central nervous system is unable to function properly. Individuals can also experience both mental and physical exhaustion.
Furthermore, the human body uses protein for energy in the absence of glucose produced by carbs.
This is not an ideal condition because protein can place a burden on the kidneys when used as a source of energy.
A shortage of carbohydrates in the diet can also create stomach issues.
Conclusion
Carbohydrates are sugar, starch, and fiber that can be found in everyday foods including fruits, grains, and dairy.It is one of the three macronutrients that provide energy to the human body. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms make up the chemical features of carbohydrate biology. Milk, yoghurt, bread, rice, potatoes, corn, whole fruits or fruit juice, candy, cookies, and other carbohydrate foods are examples.