carbohydrates or also known as saccharides, are the most plentiful out of the four major classes of biomolecules. They are responsible for various tasks such as storage and transportation of energy and structural components of living things. Carbohydrates also play a major role in the functioning process of the immune system, fertilization, blood clotting and development.They play a essential role in communications between cells and other parts of the body as well as cellular interactions between the cells in the cellular environment.
Every carbohydrate is not good and every carbohydrate is not bad. Some of them promote a healthy lifestyle while others if eaten in excess can be a risk to the health such as the causes of diabetes and coronary heart disease. Carbohydrates are a vital element of a healthy diet as it is the provider of bodily fuel for physical activities and for proper organ functioning. Vegetables, fruits, whole grain and fiber are ample sources of carbohydrates, as they provide oneself with the necessary vitamins and minerals.Beans,milk,potatoes,cookies,corn,pasta and bread include carbohydrates within them. The most common and abundant forms are sugars, fibers and starches.
A sugar molecule is the most basic component of every good carbohydrates which is made by the combination of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.Some contain hundreds of sugars such as starches and fibers that are chains of sugar molecules. The digestive system breaks down the carbohydrates into single sugar molecules since it has to be small enough to cross through the bloodstream.The cells take in the digestible carbohydrates and transforms them into glucose as a general energy source. As fiber could not be broken down the same way, it does not digest in the body. Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber don’t provide the body with any nourishment, although they contribute to the health through many ways. Fiber reduces low-density lipoprotein and regulates the body’s use of sugars. The insoluble fibers aid to push the food through the intestinal tract promoting regularity.
Foods including whole wheat bread, brown rice and whole grain pasta will help protect the body against a range of chronic diseases. A good way to start adding more carbohydrates to your diet is by starting the day with whole grains such as cereals, old-fashioned oats or whole oats. For lunch or snacks use whole grain breads and brown rice. If you’re a little picky go for the half whole wheat flour and half white flour. Beans should be amply incorporated into your regular diet as they contain carbohydrates that digest slowly and also because they are rich in protein.