Lecture 4, Carbohydrate

Question 1

Why are carbohydrates important in diet? (4)

Answer 1

1. they are widely available and a relatively inexpensive source of energy
2. the brain requires a minimal amount of glucose to function (if we deprive our body for glucose those backup mechanism like glyconeogenesis and glycogenolysis - help us continually supply the body with adequate amount of circulating glucose - primarily happening in liver)
3. carbohydrates are a rich source of fibre, vitamins, minerals (more than just a sugar or glucose molecule)
4. they provide an excellent fuel source for high intensity exercise (when taping into glycolytic ATP production - anaerobic glycolysis)
   my notes:
   - they provide energy in the form of ATP
   - we need adequate daily amounts of intake of carbohydrates as our brain really love to use glucose

Question 2

1. Carbohydrate Classification

Answer 2

carbohydrate
- 4 kcals per gram (if you combust a food item and light it on fire you can figure out how many kcals are in something - the food density of a food - gives 4kcal worth of energy) - remember this
- the amount of energy contained within a gram of carbohydrate
- grains, breads, starchy fruits and veggies (corns, potatoes and sweet potatoes)