Each category is essential for optimal health and growth, and each has various functions in the human body. Carbohydrates Compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are called carbohydrates. Sugars and starches are two types of carbohydrates. Glucose and fructose are common examples of monosaccharides, while sucrose or table sugar, is a disaccharide that combines a glucose and a fructose unit. Starches are by far the most significant polysaccharide in the diet.
Carbohydrates provide the body with a continuous source of energy.
They are readily broken down by digestive enzymes into their component sugar units and absorbed into the bloodstream. Additionally, carbohydrates regulate both protein and fat metabolism, ensuring that they are used for their vital roles in the body. The vast majority of both simple and complex carbohydrates are found in breads, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Carbohydrates contain a variety of essential nutrients in proportion to the number of calories. Approximately half of the foods Americans consume are carbohydrates.