Carbohydrates Flashcards
Which two categories can carbohydrates be split into?
Starches and sugars
What are the sources of sugar?
Sugar is naturally found in fruits and vegetables, and is also added to foods during the manufacturing process e.g. cakes, cookies and cupcakes
What are the sources of sugar?
Sugar is naturally found in fruits and vegetables, and is also added to foods during the manufacturing process e.g. cakes, cookies and cupcakes
What are the nutritional benefits to added sugar?
Added sugar provides energy to the body, but otherwise has no nutritional benefit
What can starch be found in?
- Potatoes
- Pasta
- Rice
- Cereals
- Fruits and vegetables ( low amounts )
What are the nutritional benefits of starchy foods?
They contain a lot of nutrients, including B vitamins, iron and calcium.
Wholegrain starchy foods also have a high fibre content.
What are monosaccharides?
The most basic sugar molecules e.g. fructose and glucose
What are disaccharides?
They are more complex sugars, which are made up of two monosaccharides e.g. Sucrose is made up of glucose and fructose.
How does the body digest simple carbohydrates?
The body digests them very quickly, which leads to a spike in blood sugar levels and a short burst of energy.
What are polysaccharides?
They are complex carbohydrates which are made up of long chains of monosaccharides e.g. starches are made of glucose molecules
What is the glycaemic index?
The glycaemic index rates carbohydrates on how quickly they affect blood sugar levels
Give examples of high G.I. foods.
white bread/pasta/rice, cornflakes and watermelon
Give examples of low G.I foods
wholewheat bread/ pasta, brown rice, peaches and porridge
What percentage of our diet should be carbohydrates?
Around 50% , with no more than 5% being free sugars
What are the effects of an excess of carbohydrates in the diet?
- weight gain, which can lead to obesity
- tooth decay ( too much sugar )
- type two diabetes
