IC - What are Carbohydrates Microlesson

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What are Carbohydrates?

The four primary functions of carbohydrates in the body are to provide energy, store energy, build macromolecules, and spare protein and fat for other uses.

Quick Glance: Sugar!!!

Sugar. We all love it. 2 Types Of Carbohydrates: Simple and Complex 

This is part of the greater picture of Carbohydrates. We can trace the first findings of this tasty creation back to 10,000 years ago from plants cultivated in Papua New Guinea. In the early 1800s, Joseph Louis Proust discovered there were three forms of sugars that could be found in plants. And from this, the name Carbohydrate was formed by Carl Schmidt. Carbohydrates are a combination of carbon atoms and water. Carbohydrates are a primary form of energy in our diets. They provide many functions like sweeten foods, are an excellent binder to thicken foods, and help our digestive systems by providing fiber. The two main types of carbohydrates are simple and complex. You will learn all about the importance of these molecules in the unit ahead.

Explore: Where Do Carbs Come From?

The name carbohydrate means "watered carbon" or carbon with attached water molecules. They are compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. For every oxygen atom, there are two hydrogen atoms. Carbohydrates are formed through the process of photosynthesis in plants. These molecules make up starch, sugars, and fiber.

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Watch the video below to learn more about how carbs are formed.

 

As mentioned in the presentation above, carbohydrates play a huge function in the regulation and processes of our bodies. It is the primary energy source and easily accessible in nature. But, besides energy, they provide a lot of other key functions important to our daily lives.

Functions of Carbohydrates

 

Types of Carbohydrates

There are two main types of carbohydrates: Simple and Complex.

Click on each type of carbohydrate to learn more.

 

How Do Carbohydrates Impact Our Health?

Watch the video below to learn more.

 

Challenge

So do you think you understand carbs? Try the challenge below to test your knowledge.

 

Takeaway: What Is Your Takeaway?

Low Carb Diets... Good or Bad?

Do Low Carb Diets Work Over the past decade, the craze in low-carb diets cannot be denied. Consumers have been bombarded with low-carb products and commercials and advertising for diets promising to lose weight quickly. Is low carb the best way to lose weight?   A report from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and the Obesity Society concluded that there isn't enough evidence to say whether most low-carbohydrate diets provide heart-healthy benefits. Some risks of significantly reducing carbs are below-

  • weakness
  • fatigue
  • constipation
  • muscle loss
  • mental fog
  • nutrient loss

A balanced low-fat diet is really the best option. This way one can ensure they get all the vital nutrients and fiber needed for a healthy body.

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