Carbohydrates are a very important source of energy for our body, which after passing through the digestive system, converts it into glucose. This glucose is the sugar that cells, organs and tissues need to function.
Likewise, carbohydrates help the protein not be used as a source of energy and also helps metabolize fats.
Carbohydrates, as carbohydrates are also known, are biomolecules that are made up of oxygen, carbon and hydrogen molecules. And amylase, is the one responsible for breaking down the carbohydrate into sugar.
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The main function of carbohydrates in the body is to contribute to the collection and storage of energy for our body, especially for the functioning of the brain and nervous system.
Carbohydrates are a type of macronutrients, which means that the body itself does not produce it so we must obtain it in the diet and it is one of the three ways in which the body obtains energy; That is why carbohydrates should not be lacking in our diet.
See Also: Benefits of Antioxidant Foods.
Types of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, as we have already mentioned, are fundamental in our diet, but there are some good ones and others that are not recommended because they do not provide any kind of nutrient.
That is, these bad carbohydrates are high in calories, are full of refined sugars, they are also low in fiber and high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
These less healthy sources are refined flours, sugary sodas, cakes, cakes, desserts, etc.
In general, there are 3 types of carbohydrates according to their function which are:
Starch
It is a type of natural carbohydrate, it is found in grains, vegetables and peas such as peas. It is a complex carbohydrate, that is, it is made of several units of sugar together.
Fiber
It is also a complex carbohydrate and is found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and peas.
Sugar
It is the simple form of carbohydrate. There are in turn 3 types, the fructose that is the natural sugar with which the fruits come, the lactose that is the milk sugar and the sucrose that is the common sugar.
How many carbohydrates should be consumed per day?
It all depends on each person and the amount of calories required for their activities, what is recommended is that carbohydrates are between 45% and 65% of total daily calorie intakes.
For example, if you need 2,000 calories per day, between 900 and 1,300 should come from carbohydrate intake, that is, you should consume between 220 grams and 320 grams of carbohydrates.
