Principles of Nutrition - Carbohydrates

Question 1

What are the macronutrients?

Answer 1

Refer to carbohydrates, protein and fat which the body needs in large amounts.
They are measured in grams.

Question 2

What are the micronutrients?

Answer 2

Refer to vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which the body needs in small amounts.
They are measured in mg(milligram) or micrograms.

Question 3

Definition of macronutrients.

Answer 3

Defined as a class of chemical
compounds which humans consume in the largest quantities.

Question 4

Definition of micronutrients.

Answer 4

Micronutrients are required by humans throughout life in small quantities to facilitate a range of physiological functions.

Question 5

What are carbohydrates composed of?

Answer 5

Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen

Question 6

What is the function of carbohydrates? What is it found in?

Answer 6

Main energy source for the body
Found in:
cereals, bread, potatoes, bread, cakes, pasta, biscuits

Question 7

Monosaccharides(type of sugar) + sources

Answer 7

Glucose: absorbed directly into the bloodstream during digestion
- fruits, vegetables, corn, honey, animal blood

Fructose:
- Fruits, vegetables, corn, honey

Galactose: not in foods, produced when lactose is broken down in the body during digestion

Question 8

Disaccharides(type of sugar) + sources

Answer 8

Formed when two monosaccharides molecules are joined.

Sucrose: the sugar we tend to use when cooking
- Glucose + Fructose, cane/sugar beet

Lactose:
- Glucose + Galactose, milk

Maltose:
- Glucose + Glucose, sweet potatoes, soyabeans, barley, wheat

Question 9

Polysaccharides(starch) + sources

Answer 9

Starch:
- potatoes, wheat, barley, pulses, oats, corn, rice

Cellulose:
- fruit, vegetables, whole grains

Pectin:
- fruit, vegetables

Starch is a complex carbohydrate

Question 10

What happens if you do not eat enough carbohydrates?

Answer 10

• blood sugar level may drop below the normal range
• may begin to feel weak and dizzy
• body begins to burn stored fat and then protein in order to get its energy

Question 11

What happens if you eat too much carbohydrates?

Answer 11

• extra glucose from starch and sugar is stored in the liver and muscles as energy
• converted into fat and stored in the adipose tissue
• can lead to weight gain over time, obesity
• can put you at risk to heart disease and type 2 diabetes
• too much sugar can cause tooth decay