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The primary role of carbohydrates is to supply the body’s cells with glucose, which is the basic unit of carbohydrates and an important energy source. Nearly all of the energy required by the brain to function each day is supplied by glucose from the diet. Carbohydrates also maintain blood glucose levels and have a role in gastrointestinal health.
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Classification of carbohydrates
The primary role of carbohydrates is to supply the body’s cells with glucose, which is the basic unit of carbohydrates and an important energy source. Nearly all of the energy required by the brain to function each day is supplied by glucose from the diet. Carbohydrates also maintain blood glucose levels and have a role in gastrointestinal health.
When carbohydrates are eaten, they are broken down into glucose which is circulated to all parts of the body via the blood as an energy source. Any glucose that is not required immediately is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. Additional glucose is stored as fat.
Carbohydrates are composed of sugar molecules made up of carbon with hydrogen and oxygen, and are classified based on their structure.
At one stage, simple sugars were considered the ‘bad’ carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates the ‘good’ carbohydrates. It is now realised that a balance of both groups is required for a healthy diet.
Simple sugars
Monosaccharides and disaccharides are known as simple sugars because the body quickly digests them. Examples of foods containing simple sugars are sweet-tasting foods, but also fruit and vegetables.
Complex sugars
Also known as polysaccharides, these compounds are made up of long chains of monosaccharides, usually glucose. Examples are compounds such as starch and glycogen. Foods containing complex sugars are breads, noodles, rice and vegetables.