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Learning About Carbohydrates

22nd Dec 2011

carbohydrates

Normally carbohydrates are found in all foods except meat products. Recently, some Diet counselors have recommended keeping out carbohydrates from what we eat. Many companies have already introduced low-carb food products. Limiting some carbohydrates such as sugar from our Diet is a positive step. But going further and refusing to eat fruits and whole grains can potentially deprive a person from cancer fighting foods.

In food science and in many informal contexts, the term carbohydrate often means any food that is particularly rich in the complex and simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates like starch are found in foods like cereals, bread, and pasta. Whereas, simple carbohydrates, such as sugar are mainly found in candies, jams, and desserts.

Carbohydrates are an ideal source of energy for the body and are naturally occurring compounds that consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are produced by one of the most complex, vital, and amazing processes in the physical world: photosynthesis. Photosynthesis involves the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to sugars, which, along with starches and cellulose, are some of the more well known varieties of carbohydrate. Because they are an integral part of plant life, it is no wonder that carbohydrates are in most fruits and vegetables.

Carbohydrates can be broken down into two main categories; simple and complex. Sodas, candy and even fruits contain simple sugars while whole grains, fruits and cereals contain complex carbohydrates. The main difference between the two groups is in their chemical structures. Simple sugars are made up of a few sugar molecules while complex carbohydrates are made up of hundreds and even thousands of these molecules put together. In human body, the end product of both is glucose.

Another difference between the two is the time needed to digest. If a person consumes 100 calories of simple sugars, his body will digest it a lot faster than if he eats the same amount of calories that are made of complex carbohydrates. This is because simple sugars are closer to the end product than complex carbohydrates that need more time to digest. Therefore if a person consumes a meal consisting of simple sugars, he will be hungrier sooner than a person who eats a meal made up of complex carbohydrates. Drinking soda and eating candies on a regular basis can add up to a lot of calories at the end of the day.

Studies have shown that simple sugars contribute to obesity and diabetes, especially in children. It has also been shown that eating the good carbohydrates can shield a person from many types of cancers. So if a person indulges to take in excessive carbohydrates then it may harm his Health. Thus, it becomes essential to have coverage in the form of family Health insurance plans. Medical facilities can be made available through family medical care plans also. But, as the famous saying goes Prevention is better than cure. So eat healthy and remain healthy but dont forget to buy family Health insurance plans to secure your family at times of need.

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carbohydrates


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