What carbohydrates refer to.
Carbohydrates, also known as carbohydrates, are organic compounds that are made up of three elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It is one of the important nutrients that the human body needs to provide energy to the body. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy required by the body** and typically account for 40% to 60% of the body's total daily energy intake.
Carbohydrates can be divided into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides according to their structure and composition. Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates such as glucose, fructose, and galactose, which can no longer be broken down into smaller molecules. Disaccharides are made up of two monosaccharide molecules, and common disaccharides include sucrose, maltose, and lactose. Polysaccharides are made up of multiple monosaccharide molecules linked together and can be divided into starch, glycogen and cellulose.
Starch is the main carbohydrate in plant foods, and it is a type of polysaccharide. Starch is abundant in foods such as grains, vegetables, fruits, and potatoes. Starch is digested and broken down into glucose in the digestive tract, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream to provide energy to the body.
Glycogen is the stored form of carbohydrates in animals, usually in the liver and muscles. It is formed by the polymerization of many glucose molecules and is the energy reserve of the animal body. When the body needs energy, glycogen is broken down into glucose, which is used by cells.
Cellulose is a polysaccharide made up of many glucose molecules linked together. It is widely found in plant foods such as grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, among others. Although fiber cannot be digested and absorbed by the body, it plays an important role in maintaining intestinal health and preventing constipation.
In conclusion, carbohydrates, as one of the important nutrients needed by the human body, provide us with a lot of energy and also play an important role in maintaining the normal functioning of the body. Proper carbohydrate intake and nutritional balance are essential for good health.