Watch the Carbs!

When many people think of carbohydrates, they think of bread. However, what many people don't know is that fruits and vegetables are other great sources. Some might even say that they are better sources due to the fact that they are healthier and more natural. Another fact about carbohydrates that some people are not aware of  is that they are used for more than just nutrients. They are easier to break down than other macromolecules, such as lipids, so they are better for quick energy release. However, carbs are also used to store energy, and they serve as a major structural component of the cell walls in plants and the exoskeletons in humans.

Like other macromolecules, carbs have monomers and polymers. The monomers of carbohydrates are called monosaccharides which contain one sugar. The polymers are called disaccharides and polysaccharides because they contain two or more sugars. Three monosaccharides are glucose and ribose, found in animals, and fructose, found in plants. Sucrose, in plants, and lactose and maltose, both in animals, are disaccharides. Three polysaccharides are glycogen, in animals, and starch and cellulose, both in plants.  Monosaccharides can join together by use of a glycosidic bond to form a di- or polysaccharide. Glycosidic bonds are formed through condensation and broken through hydrolysis.

 Condensation is an anabolic process that joins molecules together by removing a water. On the contrary, hydrolysis is a catabolic process that breaks down molecules by adding a water, subsequently releasing energy. Hydrolysis is especially very common in the body. It allows carbohydrates to release energy in the form of ATP. Below is an explanation of the two processes.

While carbohydrates are beneficial to the body, they can also be harmful when consumed in large amounts, especially breads. The fattening carbs, such as french fries and pastries, need to be taken in severe moderation, seeing as they are a leading cause to obesity. Childhood obesity, specifically, is a growing problem in the United States. Studies have shown that roughly one in three American children and teens are overweight, and these rates are constantly growing. In fact, they have almost tripled since the 1960's. The Food Research and Action Center has presented shocking studies related to childhood obesity including specifics to age, gender, and ethnicity.

In order to remedy this issue of childhood obesity, America needs to make some changes. I think that students should be required to take a gym class every year, kindergarten through twelfth grade. Do you think P.E. should be this mandatory? Much of the problem also needs to be solved by self initiative. It is hard for children to watch what they eat; that is the parents' job. However, teens are perfectly capable of watching their carbohydrate intake. Instead of having a piece of cake for desert, how about a eating some of the sweeter fruits like strawberries and raspberries. They both contain carbs; one choice is just better for you. What do you think about the issue? Are there other ways to fix the problem?

Resources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSxvyzMFofw&feature=related
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/8950/title/Food_for_Thought__Fattening_Carbs%2B%23151%3BSome_Promote_Obesity_and_Worse
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/WeightManagement/Obesity/Childhood-Obesity_UCM_304347_Article.jsp
http://frac.org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/obesity-in-the-us/