1.4.5

Carbohydrates

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Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy, balanced diet. Carbohydrates in the body are used for a quick release of energy.

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Function

  • Carbohydrates are a quick source of energy for the body.
  • Carbohydrates are used in the body to control blood glucose and insulin levels.
  • Carbohydrates are needed to stay active.
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Description

  • Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars.
    • Simple sugars spread through the body in the blood.
  • Carbohydrase enzymes use hydrolysis to break down carbohydrates.
    • Hydrolysis uses water to break the large insoluble molecule into soluble molecules.
  • For example, starch-based foods are rich in carbohydrates.
    • Starch is broken down into simple sugars called glucose and fructose.
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Carbohydrate-rich diet

  • Foods rich in carbohydrates include:
    • Potatoes
    • Rice
    • Pasta
    • Cereal

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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