carbohydrates or saccharides are the most abundant of the four main types of biomolecules. They have different tasks such as storage and transportation of energy and structural components of living things. Carbohydrates also contribute immensely for the proper functioning of the immune system,fertilization, blood clotting and development.They play a key part in communications between cells and other parts of the body as well as cellular interactions between the cells in the cellular environment.
Every carbohydrate is not good and every carbohydrate is not bad. Some are essential for a healthy lifestyle while certain carbohydrates ,if eaten in excess, can pose a threat to one’s health by causing diabetes and coronary heart disease. Carbohydrates are a vital element of a healthy diet as it is the provider of bodily fuel for physical activities and for proper organ functioning. Vegetables, fruits, whole grain and fiber are ample sources of carbohydrates, as they provide oneself with the necessary vitamins and minerals.An array of foods that include them are beans, milk, potatoes, cookies, corn, pasta and bread. Sugars,fibres and starches are the most common and plentiful forms of carbohydrates.
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 carbohydrate is broken down by the digestive system into separate sugar molecules it would be small enough to pass through the blood stream.The cells use the digestible carbohydrates and transforms them into glucose as a general energy source. As fiber could not be broken down the same way, it does not digest in the body. Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber don’t nourish the body but are beneficial for the health in many ways. Fiber reduces low-density lipoprotein and controls the sugar usage of the body. The insoluble fibers help the food push through the intestinal tract encouraging regularity.
Foods including 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. Brown rice or whole grain breads should be used for lunch or snacks. If you are an individual who meticulously plan your diet, you go for 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.
