What is  carbohydrate ?

Made up of carbon(c), hydrogen(H), and oxygen(O) the polyhydroxy aldehydes(-CHO) or              ketone (-CO)  formed are called carbohydrates. one of these is sugar, starch, various types of gums, cellulose, etc. the presence of asymmetric carbon and a large number of hydrogen bonds can be observed in carbohydrates. however, such as heparin chondroitin sulfate or hyaluronic acid contains nitrogen in its carbohydrate. the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen in carbohydrates will always be 2:1 .   the formation of other large organic molecules, and maintaining cellular interaction.

Type of carbohydrates :-

1. Monosaccharides :- the simplest carbohydrates that cannot be hydrolyzed into smaller carbohydrate molecules are called monosaccharides. example of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, galactose,(glucose is an aldohexose and fructose is a ketohexose,)etc.
2. Disaccharides :- A carbohydrate formed by two monosaccharides joined together by a  glycosidic bond is called a disaccharides. for example – maltose, sucrose, lactose.
3.  Oligosaccharides :- oligosaccharides are formed by linking 3-9 monosaccharides together through glycosidic bonds, for example – raffinose, etc.
4. Polysaccharides :- polysaccharides are formed by ten or more monosaccharides linked together by glycosidic bonds. for example – glycogen, cellulose, starch, chitin, etc.

Function :-

1. Energy production – 70% of the total energy required by our body is obtained from carbohydrates. the complete oxidation of 1 gm of sugar produces 4.1 kcal of energy.
2. As a respiratory substance – glucose is used as the main respiratory substance in cellular respiration.
3. Cell wall structure- in plants cellulose is a polysaccharides, the main component of the cell wall.
4.  Nucleic acid synthesis – deoxyribose and ribose sugars are required for the synthesis DNA and RNA, respectively.
5. Brain nutrition – galactose sugar is needed.
6. Reduction of bone and joint damage – chondroitin sulfate is required.
7. blood clots in blood vessels heparin is required for inhibition.
8. Cellulose and lignin are required for prevention of diabetes, constipation, hypertension, and obesity.

source of carbohydrates :-

foods containing carbohydrates are can be divided into the following categories :-

• sweet foods include – sugarcane, honey, ripe mangoes, ripe banana, grapes, apples, etc.
• cereals – rice, wheat, sorghum, millet, corn, barley, oats,
• roots and tubers – beets, potatoes, carrots, red potatoes, radishes,
• green vegetables – spinach, gourd, beans, lady’s finger, green amaranth,
• animal derived foods – milk, honey, liver, meat, curd, etc.

Let’s explore how carbohydrates generate energy :-

when carbohydrate food (starch) are digested, they are converted into the simplest molecule, glucose. that glucose then reaches all parts of body through the blood. there, with the help of oxygen taken from the air inside the cells, energy is released from glucose, which is used to perform various function of the body.

what is diabetes ?

diabetes is a disease in which the blood sugar level in the body becomes higher than normal.  the cells of a healthy person produce energy from glucose. the body uses that energy to perform various functions. but if glucose cannot enter the cell from the blood, that glucose then accumulates in the blood, and glucose increases in the blood. glucose then circulates through the blood until it is excreted through urine. due to inability of glucose to enter the cells, problems arise in various organs to the body (heart, kidneys, eyes, feet) this condition is called diabetes.

Caused by a lack of saccharide :-

• Loss of energy : carbohydrate is the body’s main energy source. without it, you feel very tired and don’t want to work.
• Dizziness and weakness : low blood glucose can cause dizziness, tremors, and weakness.
• Weight loss : 
• Constipation : 
• Headache :
• Decreased attention span : the brain needs glucose to function properly. low levels of glucose can cause memory problems and irritability.

What happens if you take too much ?

• weight gain
• fat accumulation in the abdomen
• increases the risk of diabetes
• there is a possibility of heart disease
• lethargy and sleepiness

How many carbohydrates are needed per day ?

50-65% of total calories should come from carbohydrates.

BENEFITS :  gives quick energy.   DISADVANTAGES : weight gains, eating too much increases blood sugar.

Functional saccharide :  brown rice, flour bread, oats, lentils, fruits, and vegetables.                Harmful saccharide :  sugar, biscuit, cake, bread.

1. Can I eat carbohydrate to lose weight ?                                                                                                          Ans : Yes.

 

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