CARBOHYDRATES: THE SCIENCE BEHIND BODY’S FUEL

• Introduction:

Other than biochemical definition of carbohydrates, the reason behind body’s energy reserves and body’s vitality are carbohydrates. If we see the molecular structure of carbohydrates, different components like starches, fiber and sugars play role in body’s daily function and wellness.
In this blog while exploring about carbohydrates we will discuss several expects other than its traditional definition. We engage ourselves in the realm where all through our whole being our dietary choices reverberate as glucose and fiber used as fuel for cognitive process and digestive system respectively.
In this blog we explore more about complexities, validity and uncover expects of carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates?
One of the essential macronutrients are carbohydrates other than proteins and fats. The diverse group of organic compounds like carbon, hydrogen and oxygen combine in a specific ratio to make carbohydrates composition. Despite of complexity of carbohydrates, it encompasses simplest sugar molecules like glucose and fructose, moving towards complex one starches and fiber.
Basics about Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are in various forms; each form has its own characteristics and functions. Let’s say simplest sugars play important role in rapid digestion process and providing energy. The sources of simple carbohydrates are fruits, honey, dairy products, refined products etc. Additionally, complex carbohydrates breakdown cause release in energy in the body. Whole grains, legumes, fibrous products are Complex carbohydrates.

The Chemical Composition of Carbohydrates:
The chemical configuration and structure of carbohydrates consist of compounds like Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. 1:2:1 is the ratio of these atoms. Carbohydrates classify into simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates according to their molecular structure.
Types of Carbohydrates:
The simple carbohydrate Monosaccharides which consist of single molecule of sugar.Monosaccharides includes fructose, glucose and galactose. Furthermore,
Disaccharides consist of pair of sugar molecules. Common disaccharides include sucrose, lactose and maltose. These sugars can increase the level of sugar in blood if we consume them in large amount but these sugars give immediate energy.
Additionally, Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates which consist of long chains of sugar molecules. For example, Starches which are present in food groups like grains, legumes (primary reserves in plants). Fiber is another complex carbohydrate containing plant matter which is indigestible and good for weight management, gastrointestinal tract and regulation of blood sugar levels.
The Role of Carbohydrates in Body:
Carbohydrates improve our body’s physiological functions by managing body’s energy or serve as body’s fuel. Let’s explore the vital role of carbohydrates in fueling our cells, enhancing cognitive function, powering muscles, regulating metabolism, and promoting nutrient absorption.
Energy Source:
A simple sugar serves as a primary source of energy for our cells because when we consume carbohydrates rich foods, our body break them into simple sugars like glucose. In this way sugar like glucose play role as body’s fuel. The question is how this energy is being used? When we have done some physical activity and doing some mental tasks. For doing these tasks we need some power, So the carbohydrates in form of sugar specifically glucose provide energy.
Cognitive Health:
Our brain relies on glucose for its proper functioning that’s why we ever you feel fog in your brain after skipping meal, that’s means your brain needs energy in form of glucose. All the processes in our brain like thinking, concentration, memory and maintain mental activities whole day require energy which is provided by carbohydrates. So, the consistent intake of Carbohydrates by our body makes the cognitive function well.
Muscles Fuel:
Carbohydrates are essential for athletes to maximize their performance. As our muscles depend on the stored form of glucose during exercise. Carbohydrates help to recharge the glycogen (stored form of glucose) reserves in body because for endurance and strength our muscles need energy reserves. If you or doing workout or any sports you have to take carbohydrates in your diet for best performance.
Metabolic Regulation:
Metabolism is the process by which our body converts the food into energy, in this process

carbohydrates play essential role. To stable blood glucose levels, energy variations and other metabolic functions carbohydrates provide consistent supply of glucose. In addition to, fiber play important role in nutrient absorption and promote digestive health.
Nutrient Absorption:
Carbohydrates promote digestive tract health by facilitating nutrient absorption. For example, fiber cleanses the wastes and toxins from digestive tract by improving the absorption of vitamins and minerals. The higher intake of carbohydrates rich foods (fruits, vegetables and whole grains) not only provide energy to the body but also it makes sure the nutrient utilization and absorption.

• Health Implications of Carbohydrates:
  Carbohydrates play important role in weight management, blood sugar regulation and many more health implications.

Weight Management:
Many factors play role in the weight management by carbohydrates like the type of carbohydrates, calorie density and the portion size of carbohydrates. 

1. Caloric density
   Carbohydrates are caloric dense so; they play important role in weight gain if consumed in higher amount and from refined and processed sources.
2. Satiety
   Carbohydrates control the appetite and overeating as fibers in carbohydrates for example whole grain promote the feeling of fullness.
3. Glycemic response
   The low glycemic Carbohydrates reduce the hunger and cravings, regulate the sugar levels and weight management.