1. Importance of carbohydrates
Provides energy for the body – meal – carbs are broken down to sugars – absorbed into the blood stream – blood sugar / blood glucose supplies energy to the muscles and tissues
Supplies energy to the brain
Prevents the breakdown of proteins for energy
Fat metabolism – the extra energy is stored as fat
if diet is low in carbs - fat metabolism cannot function normally – forms ketones (acidic molecules formed by partially broken-down fats) – used as energy
too many ketones in the blood – ketosis – makes the blood acidic –hinder normal body processes – symptoms are headache, dry mouth and fruity smell to their breath

2. Role of Carbohydrates in Nutrition
Deficiency of carbs – ketosis , excessive breakdown of protein – fatigue and decreased energy level, reduced fibre intake
Excessive consumption of carbs – type 2 diabetes, dental carries and obesity
Normal person – high carb meal – sugars are broken down and absorbed into the blood stream – when there is too much sugar – insulin is released from the pancreas – moves out excess glucose from blood

3. Role of Carbohydrates in Nutrition
Type 2 diabetes – blood glucose / blood sugar levels are high – pancreas does not secrete enough insulin
Factors that lead to type 2 diabetes – high consumption of refined foods – digest quickly – leads to more of blood glucose – thereby more need of insulin
High demand of insulin wears out the insulin producing cells in the pancreas – leading to the onset of the disease
Dental carries - cavities formed by the destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth
Associated with high consumption of refined foods and carbs – bacteria can easily break them down to acids – get settled on the teeth- destroying the hard enamel
Obesity – associated with carbs – refined carbs – lack fibre – increases the blood sugar levels