Carbohydrates provide the body with glucose, which is converted to energy used

to support bodily functions and physical activity.

Fast facts on carbohydrates

 “Saccharide” is another word for “carbohydrate.”

 Foods high in carbohydrates include bread, pasta, beans, potatoes, rice, and
cereals.
 One gram of carbohydrate contains approximately 4 kilocalories
 High glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates quickly enter the bloodstream as glucose
 Switching to a low-GI diet improves the chance of a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Two basic compounds make up carbohydrates:

 Aldehydes: These are double-bonded carbon and oxygen atoms, plus a

hydrogen atom.
 Ketones: These are double-bonded carbon and oxygen atoms, plus two
additional carbon atoms.

Various types of carbohydrate:

Monosaccharides

The word monosaccharide is derived from mono, meaning "one", and

saccharide, meaning "sugar". the smallest possible sugar unit. Examples include
glucose, galactose, or fructose. Glucose is a major source of energy for a cell. “Blood
sugar” means “glucose in the blood.”

Disaccharides

 two monosaccharide molecules bonded together, for example, lactose, maltose,

and sucrose.

Polysaccharides

 polysaccharides act as food stores in plants and animals. They also play a
structural role in the plant cell wall and the tough outer skeleton of insects.
Polysaccharide molecule chains may consist of hundreds or thousands of
monosaccharides.
Simple carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are sometimes called "sugars" or "simple sugars."

There are 2 types of simple carbohydrates:

Monosaccharides
The word monosaccharide is derived from mono, meaning "one", and
saccharide, meaning "sugar". The smallest possible sugar unit.
Glucose
Glucose is one of the most important nutrients for fueling the body. It is
found in fruits and vegetables, as well as honey, corn syrup, and high fructose corn
syrup.
Galactose
a monosaccharide sugar that is about as sweet as glucose, and about
65% as sweet as sucrose. 

Fructose
 Fructose is special because it is the sweetest carbohydrate. It is found in
Fruits, vegetables, honey, high fructose corn syrup.

Disaccharides
Two monosaccharide molecules bonded together.

Maltose (glucose + glucose)

Maltose is made of two glucose molecules bonded together. Maltose also plays a
role in the production of beer and liquor, because this process involves the fermentation
of grains or other carbohydrate sources.

Sucrose (glucose + fructose)

Sucrose is made of a glucose molecule bonded to a fructose molecule. We find

sucrose in maple syrup and honey.

Lactose (glucose. + galactose)

Lactose is made of a glucose molecule bonded to a galactose molecule. It is
sometimes called "milk sugar" as it is found in dairy products like milk, yogurt, and
cheese. These are the only animal foods that have significant amounts of carbohydrate.
Most of our carbohydrates come from plant foods.
There are three main types of carbohydrates:

 Sugars. They are also called simple carbohydrates because they are in the most
basic form. They can be added to foods, such as the sugar in candy, desserts,
processed foods, and regular soda. They also include the kinds of sugar that are found
naturally in fruits, vegetables, and milk.
 Starches. They are complex carbohydrates, which are made of lots of simple
sugars strung together. Your body needs to break starches down into sugars to use
them for energy. Starches include bread, cereal, and pasta. They also include certain
vegetables, like potatoes, peas, and corn.

 Fiber. It is also a complex carbohydrate. Your body cannot break down most
fibers, so eating foods with fiber can help you feel full and make you less likely to
overeat. Diets high in fiber have other health benefits. They may help prevent stomach
or intestinal problems, such as constipation. They may also help lower cholesterol and
blood sugar. Fiber is found in many foods that come from plants, including fruits,
vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains.

Common foods with carbohydrates :

 Grains, such as bread, noodles, pasta, crackers, cereals, and rice

 Fruits, such as apples, bananas, berries, mangoes, melons, and oranges
 Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt
 Legumes, including dried beans, lentils, and peas
 Snack foods and sweets, such as cakes, cookies, candy, and other desserts
 Juices, regular sodas, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks that contain
sugar
 Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, and peas