carbohydrates: the efficient fuel Flashcards
What happens to carbohydrates during energy production?
broken down into glucose, providing immediate energy to cells.
What are the main roles of carbohydrates in the body?
They support body functions, activities, and help maintain body temperature.
How much energy do carbohydrates provide?
4 kcal/gram of energy.
What do carbohydrates in the blood help maintain?
replenishing of glycogen (energy) stores.
What happens to excessive carbohydrate stores?
Excess glucose is converted to fats for storage.
What are carbohydrates broken down into?
Single sugars called monosaccharides.
What role do monosaccharides play in the body?
They act as building blocks and help regulate metabolism.
Give an example of a carbohydrate’s role in the body.
Part of heparin, which prevents blood clots.
What structural protein contains carbohydrates?
Collagen, like in dentin and pulp.
How does the liver contribute to amino acid production?
uses parts of carbohydrates and proteins to produce non-essential amino acids.
What are non-essential amino acids?
Amino acids that the body can produce and doesn’t need to obtain from food.
Why are amino acids important in the oral cavity?
building, repairing, and maintaining soft and hard tissues.
What is required for normal fat metabolism?
The presence of some carbohydrates.
Why is normal fat metabolism important?
It helps regulate the body’s functions.
What happens if the body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates for energy?
The body becomes “protein sparing” and breaks down muscle tissue to use protein for energy. (BAD)
What is unique about fiber as a carbohydrate?
remains in the GI tract longer than other nutrients.
What happens to undigested fiber in the intestine?
Intestinal bacteria ferment it into fatty acids. (ENERGY
How does the body use the fatty acids produced from fiber fermentation?
Cells use these fatty acids for energy.
What role does fiber play in gut health?
It functions as a prebiotic, increasing the growth of good bacteria in the GI tract.
Why is fiber important for overall health, including oral health?
It supports blood flow and immune functions, which also impact the oral cavity.
How does fiber affect fecal bulk and laxation?
improve, helping the body eliminate toxic products.
What happens if the body is low in fiber?
It takes longer to eliminate toxic products, increasing exposure time to harmful waste.
What are potential risks of low fiber intake?
Increased exposure to cancer-causing waste products and development of diverticula (pouches).
What issues can diverticula cause?
Painful and improper movement of the GI tract.