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Carbohydrates

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Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are fuel that is given to the body through the foods that we eat. Carbohydrates or carbs contain three sub groups which are sugars, starches and fiber. Sugars are known as simple carbohydrates and starches are complex carbs. The biggest form of simple sugar is glucose; it gives a quick boost of energy along with the base form of energy without any real positive nutritional value. Complex carbs also fuel the body with energy but in addition gives the body other nutrients that we need. Simple sugars at times start off as starch but through the body’s process the starch gets broke down into glucose and simple carbs. Sugars are broken down by enzymes that are located in the” brush border of the villi in the small intestine”. (Wiley & sons, 2006, chapter 4). After the food reaches the stomach, digestion starts. The sugar goes into the bloodstream and when this happens and the chemical bonds that hold the sugar together are broken, energy is released.
Carbohydrates have many benefits for the body. First and foremost it provides energy to the body to engage in our busy everyday lives. According to the Franklin Institute for Science Learning our mental output requires almost twice as much energy as the rest of your body, so carbohydrates are a great source of “brain food”.
Healthy Sources of Carbohydrates; Whole grains, vegetables, fruits and potatoes.
Hypoglycemia is a disorder that occurs when our blood glucose levels drop below normal. A drop below normal glucose levels can lead to being dizzy, hallucinating, weakness and being tired. In such cases usually hypoglycemia can be treated by absorbing a small amount of glucose rich food. If it is not taken care of right away it could result in seizures or even death in extreme circumstances.

References-
Wiley and Sons, J. (2006, Month Day). Chapter 4. Carbohydrates: sugars,

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