What is its role in the cells?
Cells use carbohydrates as their main source of energy; however, glucose is the only form that can enter the cell and actually gets used. Other types of carbohydrates, such as fructose, lactose, sucrose… must first be broken down into glucose before being used by the cell. To maintain a constant supply of energy, the level of glucose in the blood must be balanced. Too many carbs can lead to obesity and blood pressure spikes. Some of the carbohydrates that aren't used up, are stored as glycogen and the rest are converted into fat. At the cell level, all carbohydrates are exactly the same, either getting used, stored as energy or used for cell processes. The other things you eat determine how many carbohydrate gets …show more content…
Simple carbs are sweet tasting but raise blood pressure fast than complex carbs. Complex carbs are formed by longer saccharide chains. Some simple carbohydrates include concentrated fruit juice, cookies, soda, jams and so on. Whereas complex carbs include, oatmeal, whole-grain bread and beans.

Interesting Facts

A carbohydrate has 4 calories per gram.
Processed foods such as candy, cakes, and cookies are usually high in simple carbohydrates. These types of carbohydrates often lead to weight gain if eaten too often.
Complex carbohydrates include beans, whole grains, and many vegetables. Complex carbohydrates tend to have higher amounts of fiber than simple carbohydrates. They also contain healthy amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Monosaccharides dissolve in water and are very sweet tasting.
Lactose is a disaccharides.
Complex carbohydrates include starches, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin.
Many plants store their energy in starches, which we consume in the form of vegetables such as potatoes, and then use the energy as we digest the food.
Animals store their energy in glycogen, which is stored in their muscles and liver and used when required by the body for …show more content…
When you eat carbohydrates, your body responds by breaking them into simple sugars called glucose. The glucose enters your bloodstream where it delivers energy to cells. Insulin pushes the glucose through your bloodstream to the cells. Your body can either use the glucose right away or hide it away in the muscles and liver until you need it. If the carbohydrate is broken down too fast it is not healthy. If it is pushed too fast by the insulin it can have a negative influence.
The rate at which the carbohydrates are digested and absorbed can influence body composition and health. A slower carbohydrate breakdown from lower glycemic carbohydrates is better for saturation, blood sugar and body composition. These carbohydrates are found in vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains.

How carbohydrates influence metabolism?
Insulin is the key hormone of carbohydrate metabolism, it also influences the metabolism of fat and proteins. Carbohydrates are as the most important source of energy in your body, restricting your intake of carbohydrates, may help with short term weight loss. Although they are found in different forms, carbs are broken down into simple units through the process of digestion to be used in metabolism. Different hormones are involved to keep glucose available for all the cells to use as