Carbohydrates

What are Carbs? Body’s main source of energy Carbohydrates come in 3 forms  Should form the bulk of your diet

Large Part of Diet Should contribute to 45-65% of diet  calories per 1 gram of carbs Best sources include whole grain products Don’t eat too many! 

Simple Carbohydrate 2 different types of carbs  Simple Carbs Glucose Fructose Galactose Sucrose Maltose Lactose   Referred to as sugar

Complex Carbohydrate – Many glucose molecules bonded together – Only found in plant foods  Take longer to digest = better!  Supplies a steady, continuous supply of energy.

4 Functions of Carbohydrates  4 calories per gram  If not enough carbs are being eaten, body draws on proteins for energy  Body is less efficient when using protein for energy  If protein is used for energy, they are unable to maintain their correct roles in the human body

4 Functions of Carbohydrates  Diet low in carbs, cannot completely break down fats in the body  Fiber does this

System aimed at classifying carbs based on how quickly and how high they boost blood sugar High glycemic index = rapid spike in blood sugar Low glycemic index = slower change in blood sugar

GI Decided By…. Processing Type of starch Fiber content Ripeness Fat and acid content Physical form

Glycemic Index Diets with many high glycemic index foods are linked to the following:   Colorectal cancer Diets with low glycemic index foods are linked to weight loss and shown to improve type 2 diabetes

Glycemic Index Foods 70 and UP =HIGH Foods 55 and BELOW =LOW

Too Many Carbs?? Overeating carbs may lead too….   Overweight / obesity