NUTR 132 Lecture 4: Carbohydrates
6 Oct 2016
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Document Summary
Carbs- our body"s preferred source of energy. Brain, nervous system, red blood cells, & muscles rely on carbs. Found in fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains and vege protein foods. Some forms better than others (whole vs refined) Fiber rich whole foods (fruits vegetable, whole grains, legumes) Synthesized & stores in the liver and muscles. If no carbs consumed in 18hrs, breakdown of protein (muscle) in body. Simple- 1 or 2 unit sugar (monosaccharides & disaccharides) Major monosaccharide in the body (aka dextrose or blood sugar) Found in table sugar (sucrose) bonded to fructose. Major fuel source of fuel for cells. In fruit, honey, and high fructose corn syrup. Quickly absorbed by the small intestine & metabolized in liver. Some converted into glucose in the liver. If consumed in high amounts, converted to fat. Not usually found as monosaccharide in nature. Can be resynthesized to galactose for milk production in lactating women. Class of sugars formed by chemical bonding of 2 monosaccharides.
