What are Carbohydrates and What is Their Function?
A carbohydrate is a six-carbon molecule that can shape-shift into many formations. The difference in its chemical structure affects the kind of carb it is, the rate of its absorption by the body and its effect on blood sugar. The mainstream scientific consensus is that carbohydrates are the body’s go-to fuel, our primary energy source, especially for the brain. They also help constitute cellular substances such as nucleic acids, cell walls and cell membranes. More importantly, they’re our sole source of fiber, which is essential in the maintenance of our colon and gastrointestinal tract and the prevention of colon and other cancers. Simple and Complex Carbs The two basic varieties of carbohydrates are simple (sugars) and complex. Simple carbs come in two varieties: monosaccharides and disaccharides. The two main monosaccharides are glucose, found in fruit, sugar and honey, and obtainable from complex carbs via process known as hydrolysis; and fructose, found in fruit, fruit juice, hone
