Carbohydrates Flashcards
Many carbs function in the body not as fuel but as communication devices.
True or False; explain.
True. Example: sugars that are found on the surface of our cells enable our cells to recognize and interact with each other.
Explains the term “resistant starch.
A small percentage of the starches digested resists breakdown in the small intestine and gets scooped up by bacteria in the large intestine.
True/False:
Carbs come from plant sources because they are produced by photosynthesis.
True; they provide both an immediate and time-released energy source.
What do carbs help to regulate?
The metabolism of of their fellow macronutrients - fat & protein.
There is evidence that a diet too low in carbs an make insulin less effective. What does this mean?
This destabilizes our blood sugar levels.
What are the two main categories if carbs?
Free sugars and polysaccharides.
Name 4 subcategories of free sugars
Monosaccharides,
Disaccharides,
Oligosaccharides,
Sugar Alcohols
Name the 3 subcategories of Polysaccharides.
Starches,
Hemicelluloses,
Celluloses
Which hormones are important in sugar metabolism? (2)
Adrenalin and insulin.
Two discoveries about carbs that have changed nutritional thinking about their role in health. Explain.
- “Resistant Starches” food for friendly bacteria in the large intestine (similar to oligosaccharides)
- Gycobiology
Many cars have a communicative function and don’t serve the body as fuel
Catalysts which prompt macronutrients to interact (4)
Vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water
List the 3 types of carbs:
Sugars: simple carbs (mono- and disaccharides)
Starches: complex carbs
Fibre
What is galactose?
Milk sugar, is produced during the digestion of lactose and is absorbed at a similar rate to glucose.
Describe these disaccharides and list the enzyme that is used to break it down.
Lactose
Sucrose
Maltose
Lactose: enzyme: lactase; animal origin, consists of 1 glucose + 1 galactose
Sucrose: enzyme: sucrase; common white sugar, 1 glucose + 1 fructose
Maltose: enzyme: maltase; produced during breakdown of starches
Over consumption of sugar is liked to malnutrition, tooth decay, hypoglycemia, diabetes, obesity, cholesterol issues, hyperactivity, learning dysfunctions. (No answer)
Fact