Carbohydrates

Question 1

The two groups of carbs

Answer 1

sugars and complex carbohydrates

Question 2

Sugars types

Answer 2

monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose) and disaccarides (sucrose, lactose, maltose)

Question 3

Complex carbohydrates types

Answer 3

polysaccarides (starch, pectin, dextrin, dietary fibre/NSP, glycogen)

Question 4

sugars

Answer 4

a group of carbohydrates that taste sweet

Question 5

monosaccarides

Answer 5

a group of sugars that are made of one sugar molecule

Question 6

disaccharides

Answer 6

a group of sugars that are made of two sugar molecules

Question 7

polysaccarides

Answer 7

a group of carbohydrates that are made from many sugar molecules joined together, but do not taste sweet

Question 8

Functions of carbs

Answer 8

• Main source of energy - are broken down in the body to glucose which is used by body cells for energy
• Glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles for instant source of energy (e.g. running)
• Dietary fibre helps the body get rid of waste products

Question 9

Sources of glucose

Answer 9

ripe fruits and vegetables

Question 10

sources of fructose

Answer 10

fruits, vegetables, honey

Question 11

sources of galactose

Answer 11

milk from mammals

Question 12

sources of maltose

Answer 12

barley, a syrup, biscuits, hot drink powders, confectionery

Question 13

sources of sucrose

Answer 13

‘sugar’ from sugar cane and sugar beet and used in cooking and many processed foods, drinks and confectionery

Question 14

sources of lactose

Answer 14

milk and milk products

Question 15

sources of starch

Answer 15

cereals, cereal products, starchy vegetables, seeds, quinoa

Question 16

sources of pectin

Answer 16

some fruits and some root vegetables

Question 17

sources of dextrin

Answer 17

formed when starchy foods are baked or toasted

Question 18

sources of dietary fibre/NSP

Answer 18

wholegrain cereals and cereal products

Question 19

sources of intrinsic sugars

Answer 19

Sugars found naturally in fruits, vegetables and milk

Question 20

sources of food sugars

Answer 20

sugar, sugary foods, sweet soft drinks, biscuits, cakes

Question 21

What does a deficiency in carbs cause?

Answer 21

• Rare in the UK and similar countries
• Lack of energy, tiredness
• Weight loss
• Severe weakness
• Not enough fibre - constipation

Question 22

What does an excess of carbs cause?

Answer 22

• Excess carbohydrate not used for energy is stored as fat
• Weight gain - obesity
• Frequently eating too many refined and processed carbohydrates and free sugars can lead to raised blood sugar levels, type 2 diabetes. tooth decay

Question 23

Recommended intake of sugar in each age group

Answer 23

• 4 tsp / day for 4-6 year olds
• 5 tsp / day for 7-10 year olds
• 6 tsp / day for 11+ year olds

Question 24

Recommended intake of total carbs

Answer 24

50% of food energy per day

Question 25

Recommended intake of free sugars

Answer 25

no more than 5% of total carbohydrate intake

Question 26

Recommended intake of dietary fibre of each age group?

Answer 26

• Adults - at least 30g a day
• 2-5 year olds - 15g a day
• 5-11 year olds - 20g a day
• 11-16 year olds - 25g a day
• 16-18 year olds - 30g a day