Complex Carbohydrates: Polysaccharides and Fibers

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Questions and Answers

What is the fiber content of one cup of cooked split peas?

15.0g

16.3g (correct)

10.6g

11.0g

Which of the following is a rich source of soluble fiber?

Celery

Carrots

Oat bran (correct)

Green peas

What is the fiber content of one ounce of peanuts?

2.7g (correct)

3.0g

2.0g

3.5g

Which of the following is a rich source of insoluble fiber?

Whole-grain bread Signup and view all the answers

What is the fiber content of one cup of green snap beans?

4.0g Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following has the lowest fiber content?

White bread Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of complex carbohydrates in plants and animals?

To store energy or make certain structural components Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between starch and glycogen?

Glycogen is more highly branched than starch Signup and view all the answers

What is the energy yield of each gram of starch?

4 kcal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a rich food source of starch?

Meat Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site for glycogen formation and storage in the human body?

Both muscles and liver Signup and view all the answers

What happens to muscle glycogen soon after an animal dies?

It breaks down Signup and view all the answers

What type of starch is often included in sports drinks and energy bars?

Maltodextrin Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the complex carbohydrates that consist of hundreds of glucose molecules?

Polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of fiber in the human body?

To support digestive health Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber?

Soluble fiber dissolves in water, while insoluble fiber does not Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following foods is a rich source of insoluble fiber?

Brown rice Signup and view all the answers

What happens to fiber when it is fermented by gut microbiota?

It contributes to the formation of short-chain fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

Why do refined grains have lower fiber content than whole grains?

Refined grains are processed to remove the fiber-rich bran and germ Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of soluble fiber on blood cholesterol levels?

It can lower blood cholesterol levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between dietary fiber and muscle fiber?

Dietary fiber is indigestible, while muscle fiber is digestible Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consume a variety of fiber-rich foods?

To ensure adequate fiber intake from different sources Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of insoluble fiber on bowel movements?

It eases bowel movements Signup and view all the answers

Why do whole-grain products have a higher fiber content than refined grains?

Because they are processed to remove less fiber Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) are composed of monosaccharides bonded together, forming large chainlike structures.
They are used by plants and animals to store energy or make certain structural components such as stems and leaves.

Starch and Glycogen

Starch and glycogen are polysaccharides that contain hundreds of glucose molecules bound together.
Plants store glucose as starch, primarily in the form of amylopectin, in their seeds, roots, and fleshy underground stems called tubers.
Rich food sources of starch include bread and cereal products, vegetables, and tubers.
Sports drinks and sports or energy bars often include modified starches such as maltodextrin and dextrin.
Each gram of starch supplies 4 kcal.
The human body stores limited amounts of glucose as glycogen, primarily in muscles and the liver.

Fiber

Fiber is a type of complex carbohydrate that is not digestible by humans.
There are two types of dietary fiber: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber dissolves or swells in water and includes pectins, gums, and beta-glucans.
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and includes cellulose and lignin.
Rich food sources of soluble fiber include oat bran, beans, apples, carrots, and oranges.
Rich food sources of insoluble fiber include whole-grain products, including brown rice.
Fiber is not digested, but it may be metabolized (fermented) by gut microbiota.
Fiber can provide important health benefits, including reducing blood cholesterol levels and easing bowel movements.

Food Sources of Fiber

Plant foods are the only sources of dietary fiber.
Table 5.7 lists common foods that are sources of dietary fiber.
Examples of high-fiber foods include split peas, black beans, oat bran, kidney beans, and chickpeas.
Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of dietary fiber.

Key Points

Complex carbohydrates are composed of monosaccharides bonded together.
Starch and glycogen are types of complex carbohydrates that contain hundreds of glucose molecules bound together.
Fiber is a type of complex carbohydrate that is not digestible by humans and provides important health benefits.

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Description

Understand the differences between simple sugars, polysaccharides, starch, and glycogen, and identify rich food sources of various types of fibers. Learn about the role of complex carbohydrates in energy storage and structural components.