WCU Nutrition Carbohydrates

What are the two categories of carbohydrates?

Simple and complex

What are carbohydrates made up of?

Linear chains of carbon

Why do we need carbohydrates?

They are fast acting energy and the most desirable form of energy. Brain and red blood cells love carbs.

What happens to carbohydrates in the mouth?

Mastication mixes food with saliva. Amylase brakes down long carb chains into shorter chains.

What happens to carbohydrates in the stomach?

Very little as the acid deactivates the amylase.

What happens to carbohydrates in the small intestine?

Pancreatic amylase breaks down amylose and small carb chains into maltose.

What happens to carbohydrates in the large intestine?

Starches and simple sugars are broken down and absorbed in small intestine.

How does the body use carbohydrates?

It uses them for cellular respiration.

What is the DRI for carbs?

130 grams per day

What is the AMDR for carbs?

45-65% of daily calories

what is the DRI for fiber?

14 grams per 1000 calories

How much added sugar should you aim to eat?

Less than 10% of daily calories

How many calories should come from added sugar for women?

100 calories

How many calories should come from added sugar for men?

150 calories

Where are natural sugars found?

Fruit and dairy

What does fiber help prevent?

Constipation, obesity, heart disease, certain cancers

What is type 1 diabetes?

When the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin

What is type 2 diabetes?

The body produces less insulin than it needs due to what humans have put the body through.