Lesson 3.2.2 Carbohydrates

Question 1

What are carbohydrates?

Answer 1

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of fuel.

Question 2

What can a lack of carbohydrates cause?

Answer 2

A lack of carbohydrates could result in energy loss, ketosis, depression, nutritional deficiencies, and loss of essential body protein.

Question 3

What are carbohydrates composed of?

Answer 3

Consisting primarily of starch, sugar, and fibre.

Question 4

How are carbohydrates formed?

Answer 4

Formed by green plants as a product of photosynthesis.

Question 5

Name the simple carbohydrates.

Answer 5

Simple carbohydrates are naturally occurring single sugars and include glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

Question 6

What are all carbohydrates broken down into?

Answer 6

All carbohydrates are eventually broken down into glucose, which is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

Question 7

What is glucose used for?

Answer 7

Glucose is what the body uses for energy and what the brain requires to function.

Question 8

What are simple carbohydrates?

Answer 8

Sugars are simple carbohydrates, including table sugar, honey, natural fruit sugars, and molasses.

Question 9

Which processed foods are unhealthy?

Answer 9

Baked goods, white flour, white rice, boxed cereals, chips, and candy are all processed and behave as sugar in the body.

Question 10

What conditions can result from eating sugary treats and processed foods?

Answer 10

Eating sugary treats and processed foods can lead to obesity, hypoglycemia, and diabetes.

Question 11

Name examples of complex carbohydrates.

Answer 11

Eating sugary treats and processed foods can lead to obesity, hypoglycemia, and diabetes.

Question 12

How are complex carbohydrates different than simple ones?

Answer 12

Complex carbohydrates are also eventually broken down in the body to single glucose molecules; however, they are digested much more slowly than simple carbohydrates, allowing a sustained and level amount of sugar and nutrients into the system to keep the body functioning and optimally nourished.

Question 13

How many calories are there in one gram of carbohydrates?

Answer 13

Four calories.

Question 14

Name another quality of complex carbohydrates that does not involve glucose.

Answer 14

We also receive our fibre from complex carbohydrates.

Question 15

What are the benefits of sufficient dietary fibre?

Answer 15

Sufficient intake of fibre has been shown to enhance elimination and detoxification, lower blood fats, balance sugar levels, boost energy, improve immunity, and minimize risks of digestive and bowel disorders.

Question 16

What symptoms can arise from a sudden increase in dietary fibre?

Answer 16

A significant increase in dietary fibre may cause temporary intestinal distress such as bloating, flatulence, or diarrhea.

Question 17

Does the digestive system adjust to significant increases in fibre?

Answer 17

Yes.

Question 18

Where are the excess glucose products of carbohydrates stored?

Answer 18

All the excess not immediately required for energy is stored as glycogen in the muscles or liver.

Question 19

What is glycogen?

Answer 19

Excess glucose stored in the liver and muscles.

Question 20

How is the stored glycogen used by the body?

Answer 20

The muscles can then readily use the stored muscle glycogen, while the glycogen stored in the liver can be released as glucose (blood sugar) and transported by the bloodstream.

Question 21

What happens if the glucose storage is at maximum?

Answer 21

If these two storage areas are full and there is no bodily requirement for more carbohydrates, excess glucose is converted by the liver into body fat.