CARBOHYDRATES

What are carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are energy suppliers for the vital organs of the body, such as, central nervous system, kidneys, heart and brain. Fifty to sixty per cent of the daily calorie requirement is provided by carbohydrates. Carbohydrates, protein and fat are the three major macronutrients, essential for our daily lives. Carbohydrates are metabolized into simple sugars, such as glucose. Blood glucose is removed and pushed into the cells by insulin. Insulin is the hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas. Beating of the heart, respiratory pattern and digestion require the energy provided by carbohydrates.
Based on the chemical structure, carbohydrates are classified into simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are broken down rapidly and include refined sugars. Fruit juices, sugar, molasses, milk, honey, fruits and yoghurt are simple carbohydrates. They are also referred to ‘bad carbohydrates’. Polysaccharides or complex carbohydrates are those that have a longer transit time. They are a bundle of vitamins, dietary fiber and minerals. They are ‘good carbohydrates’. Complex carbohydrates comprise of elongated strands of simple sugars and take more time to break down. Three types of dietary fiber fall under the category of complex carbohydrates, namely, cellulose, hemicellulose and gums. They are provided by the legumes, fruits, vegetables, cereals and pasta in our diet