Carbohydrates - Functions in detail

 Carbohydrates are main source of energy and present in major quantity in our foods. Carbohydrates is a chemical compound made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The chemical building blocks and sources of carbohydrates are explained in the image attached below.


Functions in detail:

1. To provide energy - 1gm carbohydrates gives 4 kilocalories.

2. Protein sparing action - Insufficient amount of carbohydrate will force the body to breakdown proteins for releasing energy instead of using them for their major functions that is body's growth and maintenance.

3. Carbohydrate is essential for proper utilization of fat from the diet.

4. Carbohydrate encourages the growth of desirable intestinal bacteria.

5. Carbohydrates supplies glucose to central nervous system to perform the body function.


Glycemic Index:

Glycemic Index or GI is a relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates with low GI value that is 55 or less are more slowly digested, absorbed, metabolized and cause a lower, slower rise in blood glucose. 



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