May 29th, 2006 - Get the skinny on carbohydrates!

Carbohydrates are chemical compounds that contain Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen (CHO). In the food we eat, they include sugar, fibre, and starch. There are two types of carbohydrates:

1. Simple carbohydrates. These include monosaccharides and disaccharides and are found in sugar, milk, honey, and fruit.

2. Complex carbohydrates. They are polysaccharides and include fibre and starch in plant food, and to a small extent, glycogen in animals (carbohydrate storage).

Glucose is a primary source of energy in the body. Glucose is a carbohydrate stored as glycogen. Several vital tissues, including the brain, require glucose as an energy source. Without it you can't think.

Fibre is a non-digestible type of carbohydrate found in plant foods (sorry, there is no fibre in meat!). Both soluable and insoluble fibre work together to "regulate" the body and transport toxins out.

Recommendations urge people to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. At least half of your calories every day should come from carbohydrates which have 4 calories per gram. Good carbs enhance energy. Bananas, apples, rice and pasta all provide your diet with the healthy energy it needs! Carbohydrates can be utilized for energy instead of protein. This way protein can be better used to repair muscles and build the body.

A diet rich in complex carbohydrates supports efforts to control body weight and prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In addition, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains supply valuable vitamins and minerals and little or no fat.

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