CARBOHYDRATES.

CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates are chemical substances that are the main source of energy for your body. There are two main types of carbohydrates – starches and sugars. Because of their chemical structures, starches are called complex carbohydrates. For the same reason, sugar are called simple carbohydrates.

Complex carbohydrates in plant sources of starch and cellulose. Starch is essential in your diet as a source of energy. Grains and vegetables, such as potatoes, are main sources of starch. Cellulose cannot be digested by humans, but it is also essential. Cellulose is fiber that provides the bulk necessary to exercise the muscles of the digestive tract.

Sugars are found naturally in fruits, honey, milk, sugarcane, and sugar beets. A diet that includes a variety of plant material will provide both simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are also called simples sugars

Simple sugars rapidly enter the bloodstream and provide quick energy. Manu fruits contain natural sugars of this type. Processed sugar is refined sugar or table sugar. Many foods that you eat are made with processed sugar-cookies, candy, cakes, and pies. Others food that you purchase contain processed sugars – ketchup, spaghetti sauce, and sugar-coated cereal. Later in this chapter, you will learn that a diet high in sugar may be harmful to your health.

Carbohydrates are change to a simple sugar called glucose in the process of digestion. Some glucose is transported to body cells by the blood. Glucose is the body´s prime source of energy. If there is an excess of glucose, the liver and muscle are able to convert glucose into a storage form of starch called glycogen. Glycogen can be converted back to glucose in the body when blood glucose is law.

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