Types of Carbohydrates
There are two different types of Carbohydrates on the basis of sugar molecules i.e. Simple Carbohydrates and Complex Carbohydrates. The body can digest the simple carbohydrates so quickly. But, complex carbohydrates is high in fiber and are digested slowly by the body.
The Simple Carbohydrates and Complex Carbohydrates can be dividied into three more categories as mentioned below.
Sugars
Sugars are also known as simple carbohydrates. They are in the most basic form of carbohydrates. They can be added to different foods. They also include the different kinds of sugar that can be found naturally in different fruits, vegetables, and milk.
Starches
They are complex carbohydrates and are generally made of lots of simple sugars. The human body needs to break the starch into sugar to produce energy. Starches include the bread, cereal, pasta, etc. They also include some vegetables, like potatoes, peas, and corn.
Also Read: Difference Between Carbohydrate and Starch
Fiber
Fibers are a complex form of carbohydrates. The human body takes time to break down most fibers. Eating this type of food can help us to feel full. These carbohydrates help us to prevent stomach or intestinal problems, such as constipation.
Based on the chemical structure Simple Carbohydrates and Complex Carbohydrates can be divided into different types as mentioned below.
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Monosaccharides |
Monosaccharides are single sugar molecules including glucose, fructose, and galactose. They serve as the building blocks of carbohydrates and can be aldoses, ketoses, or their derivatives. |
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Disaccharides |
Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharide units joined together by a glycosidic bond. Common examples are sucrose, lactose, and maltose. They are formed through condensation reactions, where water is released during the bonding process. |
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Polysaccharides |
Polysaccharides are the complex carbohydrates. They are generally made up of long chains of monosaccharide units. These monosaccharide units linked together by glycosidic linkages. They are the primary form of carbohydrates in food and can be broken down into constituent sugars by amylase enzymes. |
Also Read: Difference between Glucose and Fructose
Sources Of Carbohydrates – Types, Functions, and Examples
Sources of carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. Carbohydrates are made up of three atoms i.e. carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates function as the primary source of energy in the body, providing fuel for cellular processes and physical activities. Human foods mainly contain three types of carbohydrates including sugars, fibers, and starches.
Glucose is the primary source of energy. When we intake carbohydrates as food or drink, our body breaks them into glucose. In this article, we are going to discuss the sources of carbohydrates along with the types and examples of carbohydrates.
Table of Content
- What Is Carbohydrates?
- Food Sources of Carbohydrates
- Animal and Plant Sources Of Carbohydrates
- Types of Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates Functions
- Carbohydrates Examples
- How Does the Body Process Carbohydrates?
- Difference Between Simple Carbohydrates and Complex Carbohydrates
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