Carbohydrates are the main sources of energy in the human
body. Most of the natural foods contain carbohydrates. In the plants,
carbohydrates are formed using carbon, hydrogen and oxygen through the process
of photosynthesis. Carbohydrates are colorless, order less, crystalline and
sweet. When hydrogen and oxygen mixing with carbon with a proportion of 2:1
produce a compound, the compound is called carbohydrate. It is sweet in test.
Classification
The other name of carbohydrate is saccharide. Carbohydrate
is divided into three groups and these are: (1) Mono- saccharide; (2) Di-
saccharide & (3) Polysaccharide.
Mono- saccharide
The carbohydrate which is constituted with only one
simple molecule of carbohydrate is called mono- saccharide. For example: Fructose, Glucose and Galactose.
Di- saccharide
The carbohydrate which is formed with the two same
carbohydrate molecule is called Di- saccharide. For example-Sucrose, Lactose and Maltose.
Poly - Saccharide
The carbohydrates which are formed with various mono-
saccharide is called Polysaccharide. For example-Cellulose, Starch and Glycogen.
The demand of carbohydrates
in food
The demand of carbohydrates in food depends on
the demand of calories of a human being. The foods which contain carbohydrates
are known as the energy foods. To meet the basic demands of the body, human
beings need calories. Besides, they also need calories for performing any type
of hard work or for working or moving. So, the demand of carbohydrate depends
on the labour which a person does. Those who perform much physical labour need
more calories. According to the nutritionist, 58- 60% demand of calories of
human beings should be met by carbohydrates. The demand of carbohydrates can be
met from fat and protein. An adult person should need 300-650 grams (differs as
per labour) of cereals everyday. It will provide 1200- 2600 calories because 1
gm carbohydrate produces almost 4 calories of energy.
Sources of Carbohydrates
The carbohydrates are to be found in sugar,
molasses, fruits, carrots, pulses, rice, wheat, honey, sugar-cane, beet etc.
Besides, it can be found in fish, meat and milk. The carbohydrates which are
produced are mostly found in the trunks, roots, leaves and seeds. In the world,
in every year, 3 crore tons of carbohydrates are produced. The 1/3 of it is
collected from sugar cane.
Functions of
Carbohydrates
(1) Carbohydrates work as the fuel for the body. They
burn in the cells easily and provide us energy.
(2) They spare protein form creating energy.
(3) They help to burn fat.
(4) As glycogen they are stored in various organs and
after breaking provide fuel for energy.
(5) The carbohydrates called cellulose prevent
constipation.
The result of the
deficiency of carbohydrates
(1) Due to the deficiency of carbohydrates in the
body, energy begins to grow by breaking the reserved protein and fats of the
body. As a result, the body loses the normal weight.
(2) Less intake carbohydrates produces ketone and due
to this serious disease ketosis occurs.
(3) The quantity of acid in blood increases. As a
result human being can lose their senses.
(4) It creates serious hazards in the metabolism of
the brain.
Results of the excess
intake of carbohydrates
The excess intake of carbohydrates is deposited
in the body as fats. The excess glucose is transformed into glycogen and is
deposited in the liver and in the body. As a result it increases the weight of
the body. Excess intake of glucose causes dental caries and diabetes.
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