For most of the world's population, carbohydrates including sugars are a source of energy that is sourced from plant-based food types. Carbohydrates are found in many natural foods as well as being an ingredient in many pre-prepared or processed foods. Show The classification of carbohydrates is based on their chemical structure, with the three most commonly known groups being monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides. For detailed info see here - What are carbohydrates and sugar? and Digestion, absorption and transport of carbohydrates.A lesser known group of carbohydrates are the oligosaccharides. These are short chain carbohydrates (8-10 units) such as raffinose or inulin. Like polysaccharides, these carbohydrates cannot be digested enzymatically and instead are fermented by bacteria in the large intestine.
Here is a list of the most common food and drink sources for different types of carbohydrates.MonosaccharidesFructose
Glucose
Galactose
DisaccharidesSucrose
Maltose
Lactose
Trehalose
OligosaccharidesRaffinose, stachyose, verbascose, inulin, fructo and galacto-oligosaccahrides
PolysaccharidesStarch
Non-starch polysaccharides
REFERENCES Australian Food Composition Database NUTTAB 2010 https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/science/monitoringnutrients/afcd/Pages/default.aspx Carbohydrates are the body's most important and readily available source of energy. They're a necessary part of a healthy diet for both kids and adults. The two main forms of carbs are:
So how does the body process carbs and sugar? All carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. As the sugar level rises, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin, which is needed to move sugar from the blood into the cells, where the sugar can be used as energy The carbs in some foods (mostly those that contain simple sugars and highly refined grains, such as white flour and white rice) are easily broken down and cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly. Complex carbs (found in whole grains), on the other hand, are broken down more slowly, allowing blood sugar to rise gradually. A diet that's high in foods that cause a rapid rise in blood sugar may increase a person's risk of developing health problems like diabetes. Some carbohydrate-dense foods are healthier than others. Good options include:
A healthy balanced diet for kids over 2 years old should include 50% to 60% of calories coming from carbohydrates. The key is to make sure that the majority of these carbs come from good sources and that added sugar is limited. Are Some Carbs Bad?Carbohydrates have taken a lot of heat in recent years. Medical experts think eating too many refined carbs — such as the refined sugars in candy and soda, and refined grains like the white rice and white flour used in many pastas and breads — have contributed to the rise of obesity in the United States. How could one type of food cause such a big problem? The "bad" carbs (sugar and refined foods) are easy to get, come in large portions, taste good, and aren't too filling. So people tend to eat more of them than needed. And some are not needed at all — sodas and candy are "empty calories" that provide no nutrients. But this doesn't mean that all simple sugars are bad. Simple carbs are also found in many nutritious foods — like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, which provide a range of essential nutrients that support growth and overall health. Fresh fruits, for example, contain simple carbs but also have vitamins and fiber. pWhy Are Complex Carbs Healthy?The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating grains, at least half of which should be complex carbs. Whole grains, like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-grain breads and cereals, are the way to go. Diets rich in whole grains protect against diabetes and heart disease. And complex carbs:
Most school-age kids should eat four to six "ounce equivalents" from the grain group each day, at least half of which should come from whole grains. An "ounce equivalent" is like a serving — 1 slice of bread; 1 cup of ready-to-eat cereal; or a half cup of cooked rice, cooked pasta, or hot cereal. What About Sugar?Foods that are high in added sugar (soda, cookies, cake, candy, frozen desserts, and some fruit drinks) also tend to be high in calories and low in nutrition. A high-sugar diet is often linked with obesity, and too many sugary foods can lead to tooth decay. The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend that added sugar be less than 10% of total calories consumed. Instead of sugary options, offer healthier choices, such as fruit — a naturally sweet carbohydrate-containing snack that also provides fiber and vitamins that kids need. One way to cut down on added sugar is to ban soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages. Consider these facts:
Instead of soda or juice drinks (which often have as much added sugar as soft drinks), serve low-fat milk, water, or 100% fruit juice. Note: Although there's no added sugar in 100% fruit juice, the calories from those natural sugars can add up. So limit juice to 4–6 ounces (118–177 ml) for kids under 7 years old, and to no more than 8–12 ounces (237–355 ml) for older kids and teens. page 3How Can I Find Healthy Options?It isn't always easy to tell which foods are good choices and which aren't. The Nutrition Facts on food labels can help. To figure out carbohydrates, look for these three numbers:
Although carbohydrates have just 4 calories per gram, the high sugar content in snack foods means the calories can add up quickly, and these "empty calories" usually have few other nutrients. How Can I Make Carbs Part of a Healthy Diet?Make good carbohydrate choices (buy whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat milk and dairy products), limit foods with added sugar, and encourage kids to be active every day. And don't forget to be a good role model. Kids will see your healthy habits and adopt them, leading to a healthier lifestyle in childhood and beyond. What sugar is found in grains?Maltose: known as malt sugar. Found in grains.
What are the 4 types of sugar?What are the different types of sugar?. Glucose.. Fructose (a.k.a. fruit sugar). Sucrose (a.k.a. table sugar). Lactose (a.k.a. dairy sugar). What are the 3 main types of sugar?Types of Sugar. White Sugars.. Brown Sugars.. Liquid Sugars.. Are grains simple sugars?The two main forms of carbs are: simple carbohydrates (or simple sugars): including fructose, glucose, and lactose, which also are found in nutritious whole fruits. complex carbohydrates (or starches): found in foods such as starchy vegetables, whole grains, rice, and breads and cereals.
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