Carbohydrates Flashcards
Carbohydrates functions
Provide the major source of energy Protein sparing Normal fat metabolism Provides fiber Maintain blood glucose Enhances learning & memory
Carbohydrate foods
Cereal grains - rice, oats
Vegetables - potatoes, beets, peas
Fruits
Sugars
Monosaccharides
Simplest carbohydrates that can no longer be broken down.
- Glucose: sugar carbohydrates must be broken down for absorption
- Fructose: found in honey and fruit.
- Galactose: simple sugar when lactose is broken down
Disaccharides
Double sugars that are reduced by hydrolysis to monosaccharides
- Sucrose: granulated, powdered and brown sugar
- Maltose: as a result of the digestion of grain
- Lactose: sugar in milk
Polysaccharides
Complex carbohydrates containing combinations of monosaccharides
Examples include starch, dextin, cellulose and glycogen
Endosperm
The inner part of the kernel of grain contain the carbohydrate
Bran
Outer covering of grain kernels
Germ
Embryo or tiny life center of each kernel of grain
Glycogen
Glucose as stored in the liver and muscle
Glucagon
Hormone from alpha cells of the pancres; helps cells release energy
Cellulose
Indigestible carbohydrate;provides fiber in the diet
Dietary fiber
Indigestible parts of plant absorbs water in large intestine, helping to create soft bulky stool
Decreases level of fat in blood
Improve insulin sensitivity
Decrease risk of heart disease
Soluble fiber: dissolve in water and slow down digestion to give you that “ full feeling”
Pectins, beta-glucan, some gums, mucilage
FRUIT Apples Peaches Plums and prunes Bananas Oranges
GRAINS
Oats
Barley
LEGUMES Dried peas Beans Lentils Flaxseeds Nuts
Insoluble fiber: add bulk to diet and help with constipation, have that ‘laxative’ benefit
Cellulose, lignin, some hemicelluloses
Dark leafy vegetables Root vegetable skins Cabbage Zucchini Green beans Barley Whole grains Brown rice Wild rice Wheat bran
Starch
Plants store glucose in chains of starch
