Carbohydrates are divided into simple (easily digestible) and complex. They differ in structure, rate of processing in the body, and nutritional value. A lot of easily digestible carbohydrates are found in sugar, sweet fruits, baked goods, sweets. An excess of them causes obesity.
Food consists of various substances that affect the body and are necessary for normal functioning. Carbohydrates are a group of essential nutrients, the main sources of which are plant foods and sugar.
The role of carbohydrates in nutrition
These substances are necessary to provide the body with energy, while half of the calorie content of the diet comes from them. The amount of carbohydrates depends on physical activity, while the part that is not used to maintain energy resources is converted into fat reserves. Excess carbohydrates lead to increased blood cholesterol levels and inhibit the intestinal microflora. In older people and those who exercise little, the daily need for carbohydrates decreases. Both a deficiency and an excess of carbohydrates are harmful to health, while their types have different values for the body.
Types of carbohydrates
The main dietary carbohydrates are complex sugars (polysaccharides) and monosaccharides. Sugar made from beets is classified as a disaccharide because its molecule consists of fructose and glucose. They differ in structure, complex ones consist of several substances, simple ones from one. Digestibility depends on the composition, simpler carbohydrates are processed faster in the body.
Fiber and pectin (ballast substances) are also carbohydrates. They are poorly absorbed, but necessary for normal bowel function. Contained in foods of plant origin: fruits, plant leaves and vegetables.
Plants contain complex carbohydrates in the form of starch and cellulose. There are few of them in animal products, they are contained in the liver.
Digestible carbohydrates
Glucose is the main simple carbohydrate. If the amount of glucose in the blood changes sharply, then this worsens the state of health, drowsiness and fatigue appear. Lowering the level makes you feel hungry.
Fructose is found in fruits, especially in sweet fruits.
Lactose is found in dairy products.
Sucrose is composed of fructose and glucose. In refined sugar, its content reaches 95%, other nutrients are practically absent in it. Overuse of sweets leads to excess digestible carbohydrates and obesity.
Easily digestible carbohydrates have a simpler structure, due to which they are quickly processed in the body. Eating candy, ice cream, baked goods, cakes, and other sugary foods, especially with little physical activity, leads to an increase in blood sugar levels, which then drops sharply, causing hunger. Unused carbohydrates are converted to fat. The only plus of these products is the rapid replenishment of the body's need for energy.
