Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates or saccharides are the most abundant of the four main types of biomolecules. They have various tasks such as storage and transportation of energy and structural components of living things. Carbohydrates also contribute immensely for the proper functioning of the immune system,fertilization, blood clotting and development.They play a key role in communications between cells and other parts of the body as well as cellular interactions between the cells in the cellular environment.
Not all carbohydrates are bad and not all carbohydrates are good. Some are essential for a healthy lifestyle while certain carbohydrates ,if eaten in excess, can pose a threat to one’s health by causing diabetes and coronary heart disease. They are an essential part of a healthy diet because it provides fuel for the body for physical activity and for proper organ functioning. The ideal source of carbohydrates is vegetables, fruits, whole grain and fiber as they provide essential vitamins and minerals.Beans,milk,potatoes,cookies,corn,pasta and bread include carbohydrates within them. Sugars,fibres and starches are the most common and plentiful forms of carbohydrates.
A sugar molecule is the basic building block of every carbohydrate which is a combination of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.Some contain hundreds of sugars such as starches and fibers that are chains of sugar molecules. The digestive system breaks down the carbohydrates into single sugar molecules since it has to be small enough to cross through the bloodstream.The cells use the digestible carbohydrates that convert into glucose as a universal energy source. Fiber cannot be broken down into sugar molecules so it is undigested in the body. Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber don’t nourish the body but are beneficial for the health in many ways. Fiber lowers low-density lipoprotein and regulates the body’s use of sugars. The insoluble fibers help the food push through the intestinal tract encouraging regularity.
Foods including whole wheat bread, brown rice and whole grain pasta will help protect the body against a range of chronic diseases. A good way to start adding more carbohydrates to your diet is by starting the day with whole grains such as cereals, old-fashioned oats or whole oats. Brown rice or whole grain breads should be used for lunch or snacks. If you are an individual who meticulously plan your diet, you go for half whole wheat flour and half white flour. Beans should be amply incorporated into your regular diet as they contain carbohydrates that digest slowly and also because they are rich in protein.
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