Carbohydrates Overview

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates, or "carbs," are organic compounds primarily made of glucose (a monosaccharide).
• Two types: simple (one or two sugar molecules) and complex (longer chains of sugar molecules).
• Simple carbs digest quickly, providing quick energy. Complex carbs break down slower, providing sustained energy.
• Simple carbs include monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, fructose) and disaccharides (e.g., sucrose). Found in fruits and honey.
• Complex carbs include polysaccharides like starches, found in grains, legumes, and starches vegetables. Offer vitamins and minerals.
• Carbohydrates are the body's primary energy source, especially during intense activity.
• Excess glucose stored as glycogen in the liver, later converted back to glucose.
• Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate, indigestible, aiding in digestion.
• Fiber promotes fullness, water retention, and waste expulsion (egestion).
• Sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

Proteins

• Proteins are chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming complex structures.
• Amino acid sequence determines protein shape and function.
• Proteins build and repair tissues, create enzymes, hormones, and other bodily chemicals.
• Proteins are a longer-lasting energy source than carbohydrates.
• Sources of protein include meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and legumes.
• A balanced diet requires a variety of protein sources to get all essential amino acids.

Fats (Lipids)

• Fats (triglycerides/lipids) are glycerol bonded to three fatty acids.
• Provide the most energy per gram compared to carbs and proteins.
• Types:
  • Good fats (unsaturated, especially polyunsaturated): beneficial for health, found in plant oils and fatty fish.
  • Bad fats (saturated, trans, hydrogenated): linked to health risks, found in animal fats and processed foods.
• Healthy fat intake is crucial for heart health and overall well-being. Excessive bad fat intake can cause health issues like heart disease and obesity.

Enzymes

• Enzymes are proteins that speed up biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy.
• Enzymes are highly specific, typically catalyzing only one type of reaction or acting on a specific substrate.
• Enzyme-substrate complex forms when the enzyme binds to its substrate at the active site, converting the substrate to product. (Carbohydrase breaks down starch to simpler sugars, for example).
• Enzymes are crucial for digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication.
• Some enzymes can catalyze over 100 reactions per second, highlighting their efficiency.