Carbohydrates or also known as saccharides, are the most plentiful out of the four major classes of biomolecules. They have various functions such as storage and transportation of energy and structural components of living things. Carbohydrates also play a major role in the functioning process of the immune system, fertilization, blood clotting and development. They play a key role in interactions between cells and other elements, interactions between cells in the cellular environment.
Not all carbohydrates are bad and not all carbohydrates are good. Some of them promote a healthy lifestyle while others if eaten in excess can be a risk to the health such as the causes of 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. An array of foods that include them are beans, milk, potatoes, cookies, corn, pasta and bread. The most common and abundant forms are sugars, fibers and starches.
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 dont nourish the body but are beneficial for the health in many ways. Fiber lowers low-density lipoprotein and regulates the bodys use of sugars. The insoluble fibers help the food push through the intestinal tract encouraging regularity.
Foods such as 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. For lunch or snacks use whole grain breads and brown rice. If youre a little picky go for the half whole wheat flour and half white flour. Beans are slowly digested carbohydrates and are a great source of protein, so make sure to include plenty of it in your regular diet.
