Medico Media

Carbohydrates

Created By : Dr. Meena Shah

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are one of the most hotly debated topics in nutrition

There is spread of misinformation and the labeling of all carbohydrates as “bad.”

Look at quick review of the basics Understand fact from fiction Learn that all carbs are not created

equal.

Carbohydrates

What are carbohydrates ? The word “carbohydrate” is used to

describe a large number of different compounds that are all composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

The main forms of carbohydrates are called monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, and fiber.

Carbohydrates

Why do you need carbs? Carbohydrates are a critical source of

fuel for your brain, red blood cells, and muscles

They provide 4 calories per gram In the body, carbohydrates are broken

down to glucose, which is used to generate energy.

Carbohydrates

Why do you need carbs? Not eating enough carbohydrates forces

your body to make glucose from other body tissues, primarily muscle protein.

Fiber is a form of carbohydrate that aids intestinal health, help lower cholesterol, and manage blood sugar levels.

Carbohydrates

Simple versus complex Sugars are referred to as simple

carbohydrates Starches as complex carbohydrates. Simple carbs are so named because

they are made up of monosaccharides and disaccharides, which are simple molecules.

Carbohydrates

Simple versus complex Complex carbs are made up of

polysaccharides They are much bigger, more complex

molecules.

Carbohydrates

How many carbs should I eat? Exact amount of carbohydrates needed

to reduce disease risk is unknown Carbohydrates need to provide 55 to

65% of your calories per day No more than 20% coming from added

sugars.

Carbohydrates

How many carbs should I eat? Children and adults must eat at least

130 grams of carbohydrates per day to ensure that the brain has enough energy to function.

If you are following an extremely low-carb diet, you may not be getting enough carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates

Choosing healthy carbohydrates When choosing carbs, quality is imp. Carbohydrates in whole grains, fruits,

vegetables, beans, and peas do not cause obesity

They provide healthy carbs and are wonderful sources of many imp. vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals.

Carbohydrates

Choosing healthy carbohydrates Be sure to manage your added sugar or

refined carbohydrate intake. High sugar diets can make it difficult to

get enough essential nutrients.