Human Nutrition: Carbohydrates and Alcohol

This set of flashcards contains key concepts and definitions related to carbohydrates and alcohol, designed to assist students in reviewing the material.

What are carbohydrates and their primary function in the body?

Carbohydrates are macronutrients that provide energy to all cells.

What is the process by which plants synthesize carbohydrates?

Plants synthesize carbohydrates as glucose from carbon dioxide and water through photosynthesis.

Define glycemic index.

Glycemic Index (GI) is a numeric value that compares the glycemic responses of various foods to a reference food.

What are the two main types of carbohydrates?

Simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.

What are monosaccharides?

Monosaccharides are simple sugars that consist of single units and can be classified as hexoses or pentoses.

Provide examples of three monosaccharides.

Glucose, galactose, and fructose.

What are disaccharides and give three examples.

Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharides linked together; examples include sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

What is the primary storage form of glucose in animals?

Glycogen.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is the inability to adequately digest lactose due to insufficient levels of the enzyme lactase.

What is the role of insulin in glucose regulation?

Insulin helps lower blood glucose levels by allowing cells to take in glucose for energy.

How is alcohol metabolized in the liver?

Most alcohol is processed by alcohol dehydrogenase, converting it into acetaldehyde and then into acetate.

What are the common sources of alcohol?

Beer, wine, and distilled spirits (like whiskey, vodka, rum).

What are the effects of binge drinking?

Binge drinking can cause a rapid rise in blood alcohol concentration, impairing judgment and coordination.

What is the recommended alcohol intake for men and women?

No more than 1 drink/day for women and 2 drinks/day for men.

What are health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption?

Moderate alcohol intake can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

What is the possible consequence of excessive alcohol consumption?

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

What is the glycemic response?

The glycemic response is the effect of carbohydrate-containing food on blood-glucose levels.