Open an Account
Affiliate Program
Affiliate Login

Not logged in

» Login

SHOP BY CATEGORY

Medical and Science Media ship Australia wide, and world-wide using Australia Post.

SHIPPING DETAILS

« Back to QandA Home

What are Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are one of the major food groups (the others include proteins and fats). They provide fuel for the body in the form of glucose. Examples of carbohydrates are sugars (as in table sugar as well as those found in fruit and grains) and starches (found in rice, wheat and cereal products like bread).

Carbohydrates are divided into two categories: simple and complex. The classification depends on the chemical structure of the particular food source and reflects how quickly the sugar is digested and absorbed.

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates contain more nutrients than simple carbohydrates. They are broken down - digested - more slowly allowing blood sugar levels to rise more gradually, and therefore providing longer levels of satiety. These carbohydrates have a low-glycemic index. Good sources of complex carbohydrates include: beans, whole-grain breads, rice, potatoes, and pasta. They are also a good source of dietary fibre which is essential for proper digestion.

Simple Carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates (single sugar molecules) are rapidly absorbed into the blood stream, and are available as an instant energy source. Simple carbohydrates include the sweet sugars: honey, maple syrup, table sugar, soda, fruit juice, candy and dried fruit. These foods have a high Glycemic Index and should be consumed in moderation.

Carbohydrates exist in three main forms, Monosaccharides - simple sugars such as glucose, galactose and fructose, Disaccharides a combination of two monosaccharides such as lactose which is a combination of galactose and glucose, and Polysaccharides which are the bonding of 10 or more of the simple sugars.

Some of this information was obtained from the Wikipedia web site. Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.

TOP

NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

view current newsletter
view last newsletter

Follow @medscimedia

SITE NEWS

Starting today we have a great Primal Pictures Promotional Sale. Purchase any of their CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM at less than wholesale price.

Shopping cart

0 Product(s) in cart

Total AU$0.00

» Checkout

Recently Viewed

» Biology
Visualizing Human Physiology DVD

» Biology
Visualizing Cell Processes

» Biology
Visualizing Cell Processes DVD

Postal Address: P.O Box 136, MT. DRUITT N.S.W 2770 Australia - Telephone: (02) 9675 7750 - Facsimile: (02) 9675 7702

SITE INFORMATION

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Return Policy
Site Security & Protection

HOW TO ORDER

Shopping Cart
Secure Order Form
Facsimile & Mail
Best Price Coupon

FUN THINGS

Quiz Home Page
Questions and Answers
Youtube Video