Ch 4 - Study Points Flashcards
What are monosaccharides?
Monosaccharides are the building blocks of carbohydrates.
What do carbohydrates include?
Carbohydrates include the simple sugars and complex carbohydrates.
What three monosaccharides are important for human nutrition?
Three monosaccharides are important for human nutrition: glucose, fructose, and galactose.
What are starch, glycogen, and fiber?
Starch, glycogen, and fiber are long chains (polysaccharides) of glucose units.
How are carbohydrates digested?
Carbohydrates are digested by enzymes from the mouth, pancreas, and small intestine and absorbed as monosaccharides.
What does the liver do with monosaccharides?
The liver converts monosaccharides fructose and galactose to glucose.
What happens to glucose in the body?
Blood glucose levels rise after eating and fall between meals. Two pancreatic hormones, insulin and glucagon, regulate blood glucose levels, preventing extremely high or low levels.
What is the function of carbohydrates?
The main function of carbohydrates in the body is to supply energy. In this role, carbohydrates spare protein for use in making body proteins, and allow for the complete breakdown of fat as an additional energy source.
Where are carbohydrates found?
Carbohydrates are found mainly in plant foods as starch, fiber, and sugar.
How is the consumption of sugar, fiber, and starch in American diets?
In general, Americans consume more sugar and less starch and fiber than is recommended.
How can carbohydrates affect health?
Carbohydrate intake can affect health. Excess sugar can contribute to low nutrient intake, excess energy intake, and denial caries.
How are complex carbohydrates beneficial?
Diets high in complex carbohydrates including fiber, have been linked to reduce risk for GI disorders, heart disease, and cancer.
