Macronutrient Carbohydrates

Function and sources of carbohydrate Carbohydrate provides the main source of energy for the body. Some forms of complex carbohydrates may reduce cholesterol which is beneficial for health.

Carbohydrates Sugars Starches Non – starch polysacchari des (NSPs)

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

Sugars Soluble in water Known as saccharides A simple sugar is a monosaccharide (1) The chemical formula of glucose is: C 6 H 12 O 6

Simple Sugars Important Monosaccharides Glucose Fructose Galactose The number and type of atoms are all the same it will be the arrangement that will be slightly different. Other sugars are a combination of these simple monosaccharides. Disaccharides are a combination of two monosaccharides Sucrose = glucose and fructose lactose = glucose and galactose Maltose = 2 glucose molecules

Starches Starches are polysaccharides…..this means many molecules of glucose linked together! The properties of starch are very different from that of glucose. They are not water soluble and require being chemically altered (ie. Being broken down by cooking) to allow them to be digested

Non - Starch polysaccharides (NSP’s) These include substances such as fibre Some of these are insoluble and can not be broken down by digestion They pass through the body chemically unchanged The main one of these is cellulose the one that gives plants structural strength Think sweetcorn! So why is this a good thing?

Function of Carbohydrates What do you think the main function of carbohydrate is? Energy supplies to the body! Fats contain more energy but require more oxygen to break down! Sugars and starches are the most efficient form. Starch is digested and stored as glycogen.

Excessive consumption of carbohydrate Increased body weight When too much carbohydrate is consumed and not used for energy over an extended period of time, it is stored as fat. Building up too much fat will increase body weight. Increase dental caries It is important that teeth are brushed twice a day and foods high in sugar should be eaten with main meals, rather than in between snacks to prevent dental caries.

Lack of carbohydrate The short term effects of a lack of carbohydrates are weight loss and lethargy. Kwashiorkor and Marasmus are two forms of deficiency disease which can develop in extreme conditions. These occur where energy and protein are lacking in the diet over an extended period of time. What other problems can arise from a lack of

Carbohydrate Sugars Chocolate, honey, syrup, jam, cakes, sweet biscuits, puddings, grapes, apricots Starches Bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, breakfast cereals NSP Bran products, wholemeal bread, peas, beans, apricots