Carbohydrates Essay

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Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the main energy source for the human body. The primary function of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and the nervous system. An enzyme called amylase helps break down carbohydrates into glucose(blood sugar), which is used for energy by the body. When carbohydrates are in our body, they are being broken down and used as energy. When the body does not need to use the carbohydrates for the energy, it stores them into the liver and muscles. When carbohydrates are stored in your liver and muscles, it called glycogen. When the liver and muscles cells cannot store anymore glycogen, it turned into fat. When your body needs a quick boots of energy, it converts glycogen into energy. When it needs a prolonged burst of energy, it converts fat to energy. Carbohydrates are classified as simple and complex. The classification depends on the chemical structure of the food, and how quick the sugar is digested and absorbed. Simple carbohydrates have one(single) or two(double) sugars. Complex carbohydrates have three or more sugars. Simple sugars are sweet in taste and are broken down quickly in the body to release energy. Glucose and fructose are most common two types of sugar. Glucose is the primary form of sugar stored in the human body for energy. Fructose is the main sugar found in most fruit. They are also found in processed and refined sugars such as candy, regular carbonated beverages, syrups, and table sugars ect. Complex carbohydrates are also called starches. Starches included grain products, such as bread, crackers, pasta, and rice. As with simple sugars, some complex carbohydrates foods are better choices than others. Grains, such as white flour and white rice, have been processed, which removes nutrients and fiber. But undefined grains still contain these vitamins and minerals. Undefined grains also are rich in fiber, which helps your digestive system work well. Fiber helps you fell full, so you are less likely to overeat these foods. Because carbohydrates contain both sugar and starch, they have the biggest impact on blood sugar. Eating a correct amount of carbohydrate is important for our health. Most people should get carbohydrates between 40% and 60% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates(starches) and natural sugars. Complex carbohydrates provide calories, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Foods that are high in processed, refined simple sugars provide calories but very little nutrition. It is wise to limit these sugars.
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