Carbohydrates Flashcards
What are the three main types of carbohydrates?
Simple sugars, starches, and fibre.
What is the main function of carbohydrates in the body?
To act as an energy source.
What is the preferred energy source for body cells?
Glucose.
Name three food sources high in carbohydrates.
Fruit, bread, and potatoes.
What are symptoms of carbohydrate deficiency?
Fatigue, hunger, dizziness, muscle wastage, and increased risk of constipation or bowel cancer.
What are the effects of consuming an excess of carbohydrates?
Weight gain, risk of type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, and mineral deficiencies from too much fibre.
What percentage of daily energy intake should come from carbohydrates?
50%.
How much of the 50% daily carbohydrate intake should come from free sugars?
No more than 5%.
What is the recommended daily dietary fibre intake for adults?
30 g.
What are monosaccharides?
Single sugar molecules, e.g., glucose and fructose.
What are disaccharides?
Double sugar molecules made of two monosaccharides, e.g., sucrose, lactose, and maltose.
Give two examples of foods high in dietary sugar.
Fruit juices and honey.
What are polysaccharides?
Long chains of glucose molecules, such as starches and dietary fibre.
Why are starches considered ‘slow-release’ carbohydrates?
Their glucose chains take longer to break down during digestion.
Name three food sources of starches.
Pasta, cereals, and potatoes.
