Carbohydrates in Food

Study Notes

Primary source of energy for the body
Found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes
Classified into two types:
1. Simple carbohydrates (sugars): provide quick energy, found in foods like fruits, honey, and table sugar
2. Complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides): provide sustained energy, found in foods like whole grains, potatoes, and legumes
Importance: fuel for brain, red blood cells, and nervous system

Building blocks of body tissues, including muscles, bones, skin, and hair
Found in animal-based foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, as well as plant-based foods like legumes, nuts, and seeds
Composed of amino acids, which are essential for growth and repair of body tissues
Importance: build and repair tissues, produce enzymes and hormones, and maintain fluid balance

Energy source for the body
Found in animal-based foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, as well as plant-based foods like nuts, seeds, and oils
Classified into two types:
1. Saturated fats: typically solid at room temperature, found in foods like butter, lard, and coconut oil
2. Unsaturated fats: typically liquid at room temperature, found in foods like olive oil, avocado, and fatty fish
Importance: provide energy, absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and maintain healthy skin and hair

Inorganic elements essential for various bodily functions
Found in small amounts in a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and animal products
Importance:
- Macrominerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are essential for bone health, nerve function, and fluid balance
- Microminerals: iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, and manganese, which are essential for immune function, growth and development, and antioxidant functions

Primary source of energy for the body
Found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes
Divided into two categories: simple carbohydrates (sugars) and complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides)
Simple carbohydrates provide quick energy, found in foods like fruits, honey, and table sugar
Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy, found in foods like whole grains, potatoes, and legumes
Importance: fuel for brain, red blood cells, and nervous system

Building blocks of body tissues, including muscles, bones, skin, and hair
Found in animal-based foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, and plant-based foods like legumes, nuts, and seeds
Composed of amino acids, essential for growth and repair of body tissues
Importance: build and repair tissues, produce enzymes and hormones, and maintain fluid balance

Energy source for the body
Found in animal-based foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, and plant-based foods like nuts, seeds, and oils
Divided into two categories: saturated fats and unsaturated fats
Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature, found in foods like butter, lard, and coconut oil
Unsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature, found in foods like olive oil, avocado, and fatty fish
Importance: provide energy, absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and maintain healthy skin and hair

Inorganic elements essential for various bodily functions
Found in small amounts in a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and animal products
Macrominerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride) are essential for bone health, nerve function, and fluid balance
Microminerals (iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, and manganese) are essential for immune function, growth and development, and antioxidant functions