Carbohydrates: Sugar, Starches, and Fibre

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts related to carbohydrates as discussed in the lecture notes.

Carbohydrates

Macro-nutrients that are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO) and provide energy.

Simple Carbohydrates

Sugars that consist of one or two sugar units, including monosaccharides and disaccharides.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates that are long chains of monosaccharides, including starch and fiber.

Monosaccharides

Single sugar units, examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates made up of two monosaccharide molecules, examples include sucrose and lactose.

Glycogen

The storage form of carbohydrates in animals, highly branched chains of glucose.

Whole Grains

Grains that contain all parts of the grain kernel, rich in fiber and nutrients.

Refined Grains

Grains that have been processed to remove bran and germ, resulting in loss of fiber and other nutrients.

Soluble Fiber

Fiber that dissolves in water, known to help with cholesterol levels and blood sugar regulation.

Insulin

A hormone released by the pancreas in response to high blood glucose levels, aiding in glucose uptake.

Glucagon

A hormone released by the pancreas when blood glucose levels are low, stimulating glucose release into the blood.

Lactose Intolerance

A condition resulting from a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, leading to digestive issues with lactose.

Blood Glucose Regulation

The process by which the body maintains optimal blood glucose levels through hormones like insulin and glucagon.

Empty Calories

Calories that come from foods with little to no nutritional value, often from added sugars.

Dietary Fiber

Indigestible carbohydrates that aid in digestive health and prevent bowel disorders.

Glycemic Index

A ranking of how food affects blood glucose levels after consumption.

Alternative Sweeteners

Non-nutritive sweeteners that replace sugar, including aspartame, sucralose, and sugar alcohols.

Indigestible Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates that the body cannot digest, including certain fibers and resistant starches.

Ketosis

A metabolic state in which the body uses ketones instead of glucose for energy.

RDA for Carbohydrates

The recommended daily allowance for carbohydrates is 130 grams per day for adults and children.

Added Sugars

Sugars that are added to foods during processing or preparation, contributing to extra calorie intake.