What are dietry carbohydrates?
Best insight from top research papers
Dietary carbohydrates are chemically defined substances that provide energy and have various physical and physiological properties. They are classified based on their chemistry, including the character of individual monomers, degree of polymerization, and type of linkage. Carbohydrates with a carbon chain length of up to nine carbon atoms, as well as inulin and starch, are of particular interest . The impact of carbohydrates on health is not solely determined by their polymer length, but also by their food form and processing level. Different metrics can be used to identify carbohydrate-rich food sources that either promote or prevent chronic diseases . Intact fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are recommended as the most appropriate sources of carbohydrates, as they contain nonstarch polysaccharides and other cardioprotective components . Carbohydrates are also important functional constituents of foods, serving as sweeteners, thickeners, stabilizers, gelling agents, and fat replacers .
Answers from top 4 papers
More filters
| Papers (4) | Insight |
|---|---|
106 Citations | The paper does not explicitly define dietary carbohydrates. |
| The paper does not explicitly define dietary carbohydrates. However, it mentions that dietary carbohydrates are our main source of energy and can be classified based on their impact on health. | |
| The paper does not provide a direct answer to the query. The paper discusses the classification and properties of dietary carbohydrates based on their chemistry and mentions specific types of carbohydrates such as inulin and starch. | |
| The paper does not provide a direct answer to the query. The paper discusses the classification and properties of dietary carbohydrates, but does not explicitly define what they are. |
Related Questions
What are carbohydrates used for in insects?5 answersCarbohydrates in insects are used for various metabolic processes and as a source of energy. Insects, including arthropods, have trehalose as their predominant blood sugar, which is involved in nutrient absorption, storage, and supply to the tissues. In addition, chitin, a carbohydrate, is a structural component of the exoskeleton in insects and interacts closely with the metabolism of other carbohydrates. Insects also undergo the bulk conversion of glycogen to glycerol and sorbitol, a metabolic process unique to insects and some other arthropods. Carbohydrates, such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose, are commonly found in the natural diets of insects and are well-utilized by them, contributing to egg production and survival. Overall, carbohydrates play a crucial role in the metabolism, energy production, and survival of insects.
What is carbs?4 answersCarbohydrates, or carbs, are organic compounds that are found in a variety of foods and have important biological functions. They are composed of monosaccharides, which are simple sugars, and can range from simple sugars like glucose to complex polysaccharides like starch and cellulose. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body, with glucose being a key energy molecule. They also serve as structural components and metabolic intermediates in living organisms. Carbohydrates have distinct structural characteristics and physical properties, and undergo diverse chemical reactions, enabling them to perform different biochemical functions in cells. In addition to their role in nutrition, carbohydrates have numerous industrial applications, such as sweeteners, thickeners, and gelling agents in the food industry. Ongoing efforts are being made to develop improved techniques for the extraction, purification, identification, and quantification of carbohydrates.
How does a low-carbohydrate diet affect weight loss?4 answersA low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to have positive effects on weight loss. Research supports the carbohydrate-insulin model (CIM) of obesity, which suggests that reducing carbohydrate intake can lead to increased energy expenditure and improved metabolic health. Studies comparing different levels of carbohydrate restriction found that moderate carbohydrate restriction (25% of total energy from carbohydrates) was easier to maintain and resulted in comparable weight loss and waist circumference reduction compared to very low-carbohydrate diets (5% of total energy from carbohydrates). Additionally, low-carbohydrate diets have been found to be effective for promoting weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. However, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and mechanisms of low-carbohydrate diets on weight loss and overall health.
Are carbohydrates bad for weight loss?3 answersCarbohydrates are not inherently bad for weight loss. The role of carbohydrates in health and disease is controversial, but recent evidence suggests that carbohydrate restriction can lead to weight loss and improved glycemic status in obese and diabetic individuals. However, diets high in carbohydrates and low in protein, like those of populations with long and healthy lifespans, have been linked to lower mortality risk. Low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrate diets have been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, low-carbohydrate diets may not offer significant advantages over traditional energy-restricted, nutritionally balanced diets for weight loss and maintenance. Long-term restriction of carbohydrates in the diet may lead to various complications and health risks. Therefore, the effects of carbohydrates on weight loss depend on various factors, and a balanced approach is recommended.
What is the primary role of carbohydrates in the human body, particularly in terms of energy production?2 answersCarbohydrates play a primary role in the human body, particularly in terms of energy production. When carbohydrates are digested, they are converted into glucose, which serves as the chief source of energy for the body. Glucose can provide a quick burst of energy, and complex carbohydrates release sugar into the bloodstream more slowly, providing energy for a longer period of time. Carbohydrates are efficiently digested and absorbed, and the body has highly regulated metabolic pathways to ensure a steady supply of glucose. Glucose is metabolized to provide energy or stored as glycogen in muscle and liver. Carbohydrates are also essential for the brain and red blood cells, as glucose is their primary fuel source. Overall, carbohydrates are crucial for energy production in the human body.
What are carbohydrates?2 answersCarbohydrates are organic compounds that are essential constituents of all living things. They are formed by green plants through the process of photosynthesis and are found in a wide variety of foods. Carbohydrates can be classified into monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are single sugar molecules, such as glucose, galactose, and fructose. Oligosaccharides are composed of a few monosaccharide units linked together, while polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides. Carbohydrates play important roles in human life, such as being energy suppliers, building blocks, and components of biomolecules. They are involved in various biological events, including cell-cell interactions and host-pathogen interactions. Carbohydrates also have industrial applications, such as sweeteners, thickeners, and gelling agents in the food industry.