1. Carbohydrates are a macronutrient whose primary function it to provide energy to the body. All
digestible forms of carbohydrates profide 4 calories/g of energy. Fiber, starch, and
are
complex carbohydrates, while glucose, fructose, and sucrose are simple carbohydrates. Simple
carbohydrates can be monosaccharides, like glucose and
or disaccharides, like lactose and
Complex carbohydrates include polysaccharides. Starch consists of chains of glucose
molecules. Some starch chains are
and harder to digest. Other starch is much easier to
digest and has
chains Dietary
consists of soluble and insoluble types,
which both possess important benefits like reducing the risk of constipation, heart disease, and obesity
Soluble fiber also helps reduce the risk of diabetes. Glycogen is a highly branched polysaccharide created
by a process called
and is stored in the liver and muscles for later use. Carbohydrates in the
diet are said to spare
from being used to provide for fuel for cells.