Table of Contents
Understanding Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate:
carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehyde or ketons or a compound which produce such units on hydrolysis.
Carbohydrates are naturally occurring organic molecules and their derivatives. They are the most abundant and important constituents of all living organisms. The term “Carbohydrates” means “Hydrated carbons“. They are also called “saccharides” a Greek word that means sugar.
Formula: They have a general formula Cx(H2O)y representing mostly carbohydrates. This formula is valid for simple sugars that contain an equal ratio of carbon and water, others not like deoxyribose and rhamnohexos because some carbohydrates also contain nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus.
They are formed in plants from water and carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. They are a major source of storage energy in animals in the form of glycogen and, serve as a structural component in many living organisms. They also contribute to the structure of nucleic acid (ribose sugar) which contains genetic information.
Importance of Carbohydrates
Source of Energy:
Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy in living organisms. Organisms consume carbohydrates in the form of food, they are broken down through the digestion process into glucose molecules, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Carbohydrates also serve as a fuel for many metabolic processes and maintain blood glucose levels at a narrow range.
The storage form of energy:
Carbohydrates serve as the storage form of energy in living organisms. In plants, starch serves as a storage form of glucose(accumulates in roots seeds, and tubers) the primary energy source for cellular processes.
In animals, glycogen (stored in the liver and muscles) serves as a vital energy reservoir that can be accessible on energy demand increases ( during exercise, fasting, and other physical activities) and supplies fuel to maintain essential functions in the biological system
Structural component:
They also serve as an important structural component in living organisms.
Cellulose, a polysaccharides play a structural role in the plant’s cell wall and provide strength, support, and rigidity to plant cells. this structural role is beneficial for plants for growth and protection against environmental stress.
chitin, play a structural role in organisms like fungi and arthropods. Chitin forms the exoskeleton of insects and crustaceans, providing protection and support. It is also found in the cell walls of fungi, contributing to their structural integrity.
Dietary fibers:
Dietary fibers are complex carbohydrates that play a vital role in human nutrition and prevent constipation. They contribute to weight management by enhancing satiety and reducing calorie intake, aid in blood sugar regulation by slowing glucose absorption, and help lower cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
Nucleic acid constitutes:
They are also important constituents of nucleic acid (DNA and RNA)in the form of ribose and deoxyribose sugar.
Detoxification:
Carbohydrates play a role in detoxification primarily through their involvement in supporting liver function, which is crucial for the body’s detoxification processes. The liver utilizes carbohydrates, particularly glucose, as a primary source of energy to carry out detoxification reactions. These reactions involve transforming and neutralizing harmful substances such as drugs, alcohol, and metabolic by-products, making them less toxic and easier to eliminate from the body.
Classification of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are classified into three groups
- Monosaccharides (a Greek word that means one).
- Oligosaccharides (a Greek word that means few).
- Polysaccharides (a Greek word that means many) or glycan.
Sources of Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are found in a wide variety of foods, both from plant and animal sources. Here are some common sources of carbohydrates:
- Fruits (apples, orange bananas, and mangos)
- vegetables ( Potatoes, carrots, and spinach)
- grains Legumes ( beans and peas)
- Nuts and seeds ( almond and walnuts)
- Processed food ( Many packaged foods, including cereals, snacks, and baked goods)
