CARBOHYDRATESChapter 6

Textbook Page 76

I. WHAT ARE CARBOHYDRATES?

A. The body’s main source of energyB. They come from plant foods including fruits,

vegetables grains and beans. C. There are three types of carbs

1. sugars- are a simple carb that supplies energy2. Starch- is a complex carb because it is made up

of a group of sugar moleculesa. Therefore, it takes longer to burn energy from starch

3. Dietary fiber- is plant material that cannot be digested

a. Is essential for good healthb. Works to clean out the digestive & circulatory system

II. CARBOHYDRATES IN FOOD

A. Natural Sugars1. Fruits & vegetables taste sweet because they

contain natural sugars

B. Added Sugars1. sugar is extracted from plants and used to sweeten foods

a. Examples= honey, corn syrup, sugar cane

C. Starches in Food1. peas, corn, beans and potatoes are examples of foods containing starch

III. THE NEED FOR CARBOHYDRATES

A. Carbs power all your activities from breathing to thinking to running.1. get 45-65% of daily calories from carbs2. healthy choices include:a. Complex carbs (ex.= whole grain starches)b. Natural sugars (fruit & vegetables)

B. Low Carb Diets1. Too few carbs will force your body to burn fat & protein for energy2. Other effects include-

a. Higher blood cholesterolb. Kidney stonesc. Mineral loss in bones

C. Too Many Simple Carbs (Sugars)1. may result in weight gain, diabetes & heart disease

D. How much sugar should you eat? 1. only 10 tsp per/day of added sugarsa. 1 tsp of sugar = 15 calories