Carbohydrates Flashcards
What are the functions of Carbohydrates?
- Providing energy
2. Acting as a ‘protein sparer’
What does protein sparer mean?
It mean it allows protein to do it’s job and carbohydrates to do their job
What are the 3 types of Carbohydrates?
- Sugars
- Starches
- Dietary Fibre
Is Sugars simple or complex?
Simple
Is Starches simple or complex?
Complex
Is Dietary Fibre simple or complex?
Complex
What are Sugars and how how are they divided?
Sugars are divided into single and double sugars depending on the size of the molecule
Are sugars easy to break down?
Easy to break down = burst of energy
What are single sugars?
Single sugars are monosaccharides meaning they only contain one single molecule
What chemicals are single sugars found in?
In Glucose and Fructose
Where could single sugars be found in food?
- In ripe fruits and vegetables
2. Fruits and honey
What are double sugars?
Double sugars are made up of disaccharides meaning they are made up of 2 molecules
What are some chemical examples of double sugars?
Sucrose, lactose and Maltose
Where food can double sugars be found?
- In sugar and syrup
- Dairy
- Cereals
What are the 2 different types of sugar?
- Free
2. Fruit
How are sugars categorised into free or fruit?
Sugars can be named based on where they’re found
Where are fruit sugars found?
Natural sugars from fruit and vegetables = Fruit sugars
What are free sugars?
Sugars that are added or outside the cell structure = free sugars
What food products are free sugars found in?
- Granulated sugar
- Syrup and treacle
- Honey
- Unsweetened fruit juice
What do fruit sugars contain that is good for you?
- Fibre
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- They’re enclosed in the cell wall which means the body has to process the sugar making it good for your body