carbohydrates Flashcards
what are carbohydrates
important macronutrients formed from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
two types of carbohydrate
- simple (sugar)
- complex
functions of carbohydrates in the diet
- provide the body with energy for physical activity
- provide the body with energy to maintain bodily functions
- provide dietary fibre/NSP to help digestion
- sugars also sweeten and flavour foods
what are sugars
the simple units all carbohydrates are made from
what are monosaccharides - advantage
they’re simple sugars - the simpler the carbohydrate, the more quickly it can be absorbed in the body and the faster energy can be provided
list the monosaccharides
glucose, fructose, galactose
what is glucose used in
although found in some fruits and vegetables, it is often used by athletes in tablet or powder form to provide a fast energy boost
what is fructose used in
- it is found naturally in the juices of some fruits and plants, but mainly in honey
- as it is the sweetest of all sugars, manufacturers can use a low amount but still provide the same level of sweetness as sucrose
what is galactose used in
it is formed during digestion of lactose
what are disaccharides
double sugars made up of two monosaccharides
list the disaccharides
lactose, maltose and sucrose
what is lactose used in
found in milk, which is thought to give milk its slightly sweet taste
what is maltose used in
it results from the fermentation of cereal grains
what is sucrose used in
sucrose AKA sugar
- provides the body with energy but has no other benefits in the diet as it contains no other nutrients
- comes from sugar beet or sugar cane
- we buy it as granulated/brown/caster/icing/sugar syrup sugars and treacle
lactose equation
glucose + galactose