Life Is Science Is Life: Carbohydrates for Dummies

Carbohydrates are one of the major nutrients that our body needs to maintain a healthy energy level. They are found in many foods that are considered staples in the average diet. Why do we need these molecules? The answer is that they serve incredibly important purposes. They provide the bulk of our energy in our diets., stimulate digestion, and make plant life possible.

All carbohydrates (or "carbs") are composed entirely of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They are often made up of a carbon spine with oxygen and hydrogen molecules, thus their name, carbo-(carbon)-hydrates(water). They may contain ketones or aldehydes in their structure. Ketones are simply when a carbon is bonded to two "R" groups and double bonded to an oxygen. Aldehydes are when a carbon is bonded to an "R" group, hydrogen atom, and double bonded to an oxygen. When in solution, many carbohydrates change from a linear chain structure to a ring structure. This is often the case, as carbohydrates usually exist in living creatures, which is an aqueous environment.

Ketones (left) and Aldehydes (right)

Carbohydrates can be divided into two groups; simple and complex. Simple carbs are usually highly refined or processed, and need no digestion. They are immediately absorbed into the blood stream and cause a spike in blood sugar. Complex carbs, on the other hand, have less easily digestible sugars, and their carbohydrates must be digested first to be absorbed into the blood. They are more natural, and less likely to be processed Foods like pasta, fruit, vegetables and legumes have a high complex carbohydrate content.

Complex Carbs (fruits, grains, legumes, oats)

Simple Carbs (Cookies, chocolate, table sugar)

The structure of carbohydrates (also called saccharides), is divided up into three major groups: Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are the simplest sugars, and make up all other carbohydrates. Disaccharides are made up of two monosaccharides. Polysaccharides are made up more than 2 monosaccharides.

Monosaccharides are the building blocks of all other carbohydrates. The most notable example of a monosaccharide is glucose. This provides energy in animals directly through the blood. The amount of glucose in the blood is called blood sugar. This amount must be kept at a proper level or it may cause serious side effects. Having too much can result in damage to blood vessels and complications thereof. Low levels can cause a tired, fatigued feeling.

One of the most well known disaccharides is lactose, the sugar in milk and milk products. This is why a lot of high dairy products have many carbohydrates. Another example of a disaccharide is sucrose. Sucrose is the sugar in table sugar. It originates from plants and is used as a sweetener.

Polysaccharides are saccharides made up of multiple monosaccharides. Glycogen, a polysaccharide, is stored in the liver. These saccharides are formed when up to 1,000 glucose molecules undergo glycosidic bonding, and form a spiral shaped larger molecule. Without glycogen, we would not be able to store our excess glucose and would be highly susceptible to starvation. Another important polysaccharide is cellulose. Cellulose is the structural component of cell walls in plant cells, which allows them to be sturdy enough to grow. Because humans lack cellulase, cellulose is indigestible to us , and so adds bulk to waste to help clear out the digestive tract. Without cellulose, the entire ecosystem would collapse due to plant death.

We know what carbohydrates are, but what does this mean to us? Watching carbohydrate intake and what kinds of carbs you eat are both very important to maintaining proper health. One important thing to remember is to limit your simple sugar intake. Sodas, candies and other sugary foods have large mounts of simple sugars, and should be limited to prevent obesity and to make room for healthy, nutrient rich foods. Instead, eat a piece of fruit or a muffin. Eating complex carbs promotes consumption of food rich in vitamins and allows for slow sugar absorption into the blood. If you eat too many processed and simple sugars and foods, you are at a greater risk of obesity, and possibly type II diabetes. Type two diabetes is the resistance to insulin built up over a long time with poor diet and obesity. The insulin receptors in the body become accustomed to a high level of insulin and do not receive it as well. A carbohydrate that can help to prevent this is fiber. Because fiber(Cellulose) is indigestible, one can eat it and not gain too much energy while still feeling full. Fiber is also found in many healthy foods such as spinach, prunes and Lima beans, so it is extra beneficial. Essentially, controlling what carbohydrates you eat will play a huge role in your health, so make the right choice!