Carbohydrates Flashcards
Which monosaccharide is found in the bloodstream and is responsible for producing energy in individual cells
Glucose
Which organ is responsible for producing insulin in sufficient amounts
Pancreas
Q: How many kilocalories per gram do carbohydrates provide?
A: Carbohydrates provide 4 kilocalories per gram
Q: What is the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for carbohydrates?
A: The AMDR for carbohydrates is 45-65% of daily kilocalorie intake
Q: What is the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for carbohydrates for adults aged 19 to 30?
A: The DRI for carbohydrates is 130 grams per day
AMDR of kcal intake from fats
20-35%
AMDR of protein
10 - 35%
Q: What is the chemical formula for carbohydrates?
A: Carbohydrates have the formula CH₂O in a 1:2:1 ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Q: What are monosaccharides?
A: Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates, often called single sugars, and include glucose, fructose, and galactose .
Q: What is the role of glucose in the body?
A: Glucose is the main source of energy for the brain and central nervous system .
Q: Where is galactose found, and what is its role?
A: Galactose is found in dairy products and reacts with glucose to form lactose
Q: What is fructose, and where is it commonly found?
A: Fructose is a non-reducing sugar found in fruits that reacts with glucose to form sucrose
Q: What are disaccharides, and can you give examples?
A: Disaccharides are sugars formed when two monosaccharides react. Examples include sucrose (glucose + fructose), maltose (glucose + glucose), and lactose (glucose + galactose) .
Q: What are polysaccharides, and what are some examples?
A: Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates. Examples include starch and fiber .
Q: What is starch, and where is it found?
A: Starch is the storage form of carbohydrates in plants and is found in grains, legumes, and some vegetables .
Q: Why can’t humans digest fiber?
A: Human digestive enzymes cannot break down the bonds in plant fibers, so fiber passes through the body without providing calories or nutrients .
Q: What are some food sources of dietary fiber?
A: Whole grains, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, vegetables, beans, fruits like apples and bananas, and seeds .
Q: What are the health benefits of unprocessed carbohydrates like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits?
A: They promote good health by delivering vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients
Examples of processed foods
A: White bread, pastries, sodas, and other highly processed or refined foods, which may contribute to weight gain and diseases like diabetes .
Q: What role do carbohydrates play in energy production?
A: Carbohydrates are broken down to provide glucose for energy. Simple carbs provide a quick burst of energy, while complex carbs provide energy more slowly .
Q: How do carbohydrates affect brain function?
A: The brain uses 20% of the body’s energy, and carbohydrates provide the glucose needed for proper brain function .
Q: How do complex carbohydrates help with weight control?
A: Complex carbs keep you full for longer periods, helping to control appetite and manage weight
Q: How do complex carbohydrates like fiber lower the risk of disease?
A: Fiber lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of diabetes
Q: What happens to carbohydrates during digestion?
A: Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose during digestion, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream .
Q: Where does carbohydrate digestion predominantly occur?
A: Carbohydrate digestion mainly occurs in the small intestine via enzymes .
Q: What happens to galactose and fructose once absorbed by the body?
A: Galactose and fructose are metabolized by the liver to produce glucose .
Q: What is glycogen, and how is it related to carbohydrates?
A: Glycogen is the storage form of glucose in the body .
Q: What are the different food groups that provide carbohydrates?
A: Fruits, grains, legumes, starchy vegetables like potatoes, and dairy products .
Q: What is the kilocalorie value of protein and fats compared to carbohydrates?
A: Protein provides 4 kcal per gram, fats provide 9 kcal per gram, and alcohol provides 7 kcal per gram .
Q: How is fructose metabolized in the body?
A: Once absorbed, fructose is converted to glucose, glycogen, or lactate by the liver .
Q: What is the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates in terms of energy release?
A: Simple carbohydrates provide a quick burst of energy, while complex carbohydrates release sugar into the bloodstream more slowly, providing sustained energy .
Q: How does eating fiber affect blood sugar levels?
A: Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels .
Q: Why are carbohydrates important for brain function?
A: The brain requires a steady supply of glucose to function properly, as it uses 20% of the body’s energy .
Q: How does the liver process galactose after absorption?
A: The liver converts galactose into glucose, which can then be used for energy or stored as glycogen
