Carbohydrates Flashcards
What are carbohydrates split into?
Starchy foods
Sugary foods
What are the two main types of carbohydrate?
Complex
Simple
What are sugars split into?
Intrinsic
Extrinsic
What are intrinsic sugars?
Sugars contained in the cell wall
Unprocessed foods
Have no adverse effect on health
e.g. fruit
What are extrinsic sugars?
Sugars not contained in the cell wall
What are extrinsic sugars split into?
Free sugars and milk sugars
What are free sugars?
Sugars that have been added to foods
Have an adverse effect on health
Will lead to health problems such as:
Obesity, diabetes, tooth decay
What are milk sugars?
Sugars found naturally in dairy products
Have no adverse effect on health
e.g. Milk, yogurt
What are the functions of carbohydrates?
Energy Protein sparing Storage Dietary Fibre Synthesis of glycoprotein
How is energy a function of carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are the most efficient source of energy
1g = 4kcal
How is storage a function of carbohydrate?
Glycogen is formed and stored in the liver as a readily available source of energy
Excess can be converted into fat and stored in the adipose tissue
How is protein sparing a function of carbohydrate?
You keep your protein for growth, repair and maintenance of the body and use carbohydrates as your main source of energy
How is synthesis of glycoprotein a function of carbohydrate?
Glycoproteins = proteins that have sugar attached to them
Helps the immune, digestive and reproductive systems
components of cellular membranes, blood & plasma
How is dietary fibre a function of carbohydrate?
‘Unavailable carbohydrates’
What is fibre split into?
Soluble
Insoluble
What is soluble fibre?
Slows down release of glucose - lowers symptoms of diabetes
Lowers LDL cholesterol
Stops us feeling hungry
What is insoluble fibre?
Binds water in the intestine,
increases bulk of faeces
Prevents constipation
Prevents bowel disorders
What are empty calories?
Food that provides you with only calories (energy) and no other nutrients
What does palatability mean?
Related to taste or mouth feel
Can sugar make you overweight?
Small amounts will not make you obese.
High sugar diet may mean excess weight if calorie intake is higher than needed
What is the main cause of dental caries/ tooth decay?
Due to frequent snacking
Tooth decay is also due to:
Concentration of the sugar
The period of contact your tooth had with sugar
Age - tooth decay occurs quickly in children and reaches the nerve quicker
How does tooth decay occur?
Bacteria builds up on the surface of your teeth. If saliva does not neutralise the acid then it will attack the tooth. It will lead to the enamel eroding and will lead to the demineralisation of your tooth resulting in tooth decay/ caries
What are some factors that help prevent tooth decay?
Drink milk and have milk products
Encourage drinking water
Fluoride supplementation for the mineralisation of teeth
Check food labels carefully
What type of sugar is linked closely to tooth decay?
Free sugars
What type of sugar is the main offender?
Sucrose
What are low GI foods?
Absorbed more slowly
Regulates blood sugar levels
helps to control post-meals highs and lows
Can prevent diabetes, CVD and obesity
What are high GI foods?
Absorbed more quickly
blood glucose rises sharply causes spikes in blood sugar levels
Links between obesity and CVD
What does the term glycaemic loading mean?
It measures the amount of carbohydrates in each serving of food
Explain the link of GI and diabetes:
Low GI may help to control blood glucose levels for people who suffer diabetes
Can help reduce the risk of heart and kidney problems
Are Low GI foods good for weight loss?
They can help manage your weight
Usually low in calories but some foods will have a high calorie content and will not be a good choice.
It does not mean that eating a diet of low GI foods will help you lose weight it just helps you manage it by making you feel fuller for longer
