Carbohydrates are classified as sugars that provide energy to the body. In most cases, the body can metabolize carbohydrates quickly and efficiently.
What is the Function of Carbohydrates?
They have several functions, but their main purpose is to provide the body with energy. If you are resting or performing low-level activity, carbohydrates provide about 50% of the fuel needed to support these bodily functions.
What Foods Contain Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are found in much of what we eat every day, such as breads, pastas, candy, fruits, sodas, wine, and beer.
What Happens to Carbohydrates After We Eat Them?
Once ingested, most carbohydrates are broken down and used as energy. When the body no longer needs carbohydrates for energy, the body stores them in the liver and muscles as a compound called glycogen. As these storage depots become full, the body then turns glycogen into fat.
Are There Different Kinds of Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates can be divided into two distinct groups: simple and complex.
Simple carbohydrates are also referred to as simple sugars and include fruit sugar (fructose), table sugar (sucrose), and milk sugar (lactose). These sugars or simple carbohydrates are excellent sources of quick energy.
Complex carbohydrates include starches and fiber. Found in whole grains, peas, beans, bread, pasta, vegetables, rice, and oatmeal, complex carbohydrates require more time to be digested by the body. As glucose is released into the bloodstream over an extended period of time, complex carbohydrates are a source of sustained energy.
What Should I Eat?
The key is moderation. Eliminating or severely restricting carbohydrates, as is communicated by many of the popular “fad” diets today, is not the answer. Gaining excess weight is not about too many carbohydrates; it's about calories. The bottom line is that you need to burn more calories than you consume to lose weight. As far as carbohydrate calories are concerned, you will benefit by consuming a higher percentage of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables than you consume of sugary snacks or sodas.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As with all nutritional supplement programs, please consult your personal physician or health care provider about any of the recommendations or suggestions made on this site.
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