A carbohydrate is a naturally occurring compound , or a derivative of such a compound, with the general chemical formula C x (H 2 O) y , made up of molecules of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). Carbohydrates are the most widespread organic substances and play a vital role in all life.
What are carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates (also called carbs) are a type of macronutrient found in certain foods and drinks . Sugars, starches and fiber are carbohydrates. Other macronutrients include fat and protein. Your body needs these macronutrients to stay healthy.
What is a carbohydrate easy definition?
: any of various neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (such as sugars, starches, and celluloses) most of which are formed by green plants and which constitute a major class of animal foods.
What is carbohydrate and example?
They are the sugars, starches, and dietary fiber that occur in plant foods and dairy products. Carbohydrates are mainly found in plant foods. They also occur in dairy products in the form of a milk sugar called lactose. Foods high in carbohydrates include bread, pasta, beans, potatoes, rice, and cereals.
What is carbohydrate in one word?
The word carbohydrate refers to a compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that is a major source of energy for animals. ... Often formed by a plant, a carbohydrate may be a sugar, starch, or cellulose that typically breaks down into energy within the body.
What best describes a carbohydrate?
Carbohydrates: Mainly sugars and starches, together constituting one of the three principal types of nutrients used as energy sources (calories) by the body . Carbohydrates can also be defined chemically as neutral compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. ... Fats are high-cal; they provide 9 calories per gram.
What is a simple carbohydrate example?
Simple carbohydrates are found naturally in foods such as fruits, milk, and milk products . They are also found in processed and refined sugars such as candy, table sugar, syrups, and soft drinks.
Does the body need carbohydrates?
Because of their numerous health benefits, carbohydrates have a rightful place in your diet. In fact, your body needs carbohydrates to function well . But some carbohydrates might be better for you than others. Understand more about carbohydrates and how to choose healthy carbohydrates.
What foods include carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are found in a wide array of both healthy and unhealthy foods— bread, beans, milk, popcorn, potatoes, cookies, spaghetti, soft drinks, corn, and cherry pie . They also come in a variety of forms. The most common and abundant forms are sugars, fibers, and starches.
Which foods are high in carbohydrates?
- Soft Pretzel. While delicious, the soft pretzel is a nutrition-poor source of carbohydrates. ...
- Processed Cereal. A sugary bowl of cereal contains the same amount of carbs as a plate of french fries. ...
- Canned Fruit. ...
- Doughnuts. ...
- Soda. ...
- Potato or Corn Chips. ...
- Gummy Candy. ...
- French Fries.
What is carbohydrate formula?
Carbohydrates can be represented by the stoichiometric formula (CH 2 O) n , where n is the number of carbons in the molecule. Therefore, the ratio of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen is 1:2:1 in carbohydrate molecules. The origin of the term “carbohydrate” is based on its components: carbon (“carbo”) and water (“hydrate”).
Why do we need carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy . In their absence, your body will use protein and fat for energy. It may also be hard to get enough fibre, which is important for long-term health.
What is carbohydrates and its importance?
Carbohydrates are your body's main source of energy : They help fuel your brain, kidneys, heart muscles, and central nervous system. For instance, fiber is a carbohydrate that aids in digestion, helps you feel full, and keeps blood cholesterol levels in check.
Which is the simplest carbohydrate?
1. Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates. They typically contain three to six carbon atoms and cannot be hydrolyzed into smaller molecules. Examples include glucose and fructose.
What is the modern definition of carbohydrates?
A carbohydrate is a naturally occurring compound , or a derivative of such a compound, with the general chemical formula C x (H 2 O) y , made up of molecules of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). Carbohydrates are the most widespread organic substances and play a vital role in all life.
What are the main characteristics of carbohydrates?
Carbs are composed of the elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen , with generally twice the hydrogen as carbon and oxygen (this is the main characteristic of carbohydrates), according to Oregon State University. In its simplest form, a carbohydrate is a chain of sugar molecules called monosaccharides.
