Carbohydrates Flashcards
carbohydrates
sugars, starches, celluloses, and fiber; chief source of energy
monosaccharide
a single sugar unit (glucose, fructose, galactose)
disaccharides
two sugar units (sucrose, lactose, maltose)
polysaccharides
long chains of monosaccharide units linked together (starch, fiber)
fiber
complex carbohydrate; provides bulk in diet and intestinal health; regulates absorption of glucose.
soluble fiber
dissolved by water; helps moderate blood glucose and lower cholesterol
insoluble fiber
does not dissolve in water
glucose
simple sugar made by the body from carbs, fats and sometimes protein; main source of fuel
glycogen
complex carbohydrate used to store energy in liver and muscle tissue
glycemic index
the rate carb sources raise blood sugar and the effect on insulin release:
HIGH = >70
MODERATE= 56-69
LOW= <55
Carb FACTS
provides nutrition that fat and protein can’t
keeps glycogen stores full
helps maintain fluid balance
spares protein for building muscle