Nutrition Basics: Carbohydrates and Lipids

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are a major source of energy for the human body.
• They make up only about 1% of the body's mass, but have a critical role.
• Cells release energy through oxidizing glucose, which is part of cell respiration.
• Found in foods like fruits, vegetables, and some processed items.
• Sugars like glucose, fructose, and lactose are monosaccharides.
• Sucrose (table sugar) is a disaccharide, formed from glucose and fructose.
• Starch is a polymer of glucose, stored in plants (potatoes, rice, wheat, etc) as a storage form of energy.
• Glycogen is a similar glucose polymer, stored in animal tissues (liver and muscle).
• Cellulose (a polymer of glucose) forms plant cell walls. Humans cannot digest cellulose but it's important as dietary fiber.
• Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with a 2:1 ratio of hydrogen to oxygen.

Lipids (Fats and Oils)

• Lipids have the same elements (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) as carbohydrates, but the oxygen content is notably lower.
• Fats can be solid (like tristearin in beef and lamb) or liquid (oils).
• Lipids are a significant part of most diets.
• Examples of lipids in food include: beef, lamb and other animal products and also some fats and oils.

Explore the essential roles of carbohydrates and lipids in nutrition. This quiz covers topics such as the energy roles of carbohydrates, including glucose and starch, as well as the structure and functions of lipids. Test your knowledge on these fundamental macromolecules and their importance in the human body.