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. However, many of these are in the form of sugars, reflecting the increased consumption of highly refined and sweetened products. Fats Fats are composed of carbon, hydrogen and very little oxygen. Saturated fats, like butter, are often derived from animal sources and tend to be solid at room temperature. However, unsaturated fats, like olive oil, tend to be liquid.