Carbohydrates: The Importance & Special Functions
Worldwide and throughout all of history, carbohydrates have been the primary source of energy and sustenance for humans. The relative low cost, long shelf life, and availability make carbohydrates an ideal food source. Foods like rice, bread, and potatoes are staple items across almost all cultures. Rice alone feeds an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide. With so much prominence in our diets, it is valuable to examine the importance and functions of carbohydrates. Importance Aside from feeding the world and being a dietary staple, there are other key points that make carbohydrates important in our diets. Complex carbohydrates found in...
Carbohydrates: Simple vs. Complex & the Glycemic Index
Carbohydrates are an essential part of human nutrition. They are found in the majority of foods we eat, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy. Knowing what carbohydrates are allows us to use them effectively to enhance our health and athletic performance. The word carbohydrate comes from its chemical structure. Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with the hydrogen/oxygen ratio reflecting that of water. You can see why the name is carbo-hydrate (CH2O). There are two types of digestible carbohydrates, sugars and starches. Sugars are also called saccharides. Depending on how many saccharides are found within the molecular structure, that will...