Carbohydrates Essay

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Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are a part of a big group of compounds such as sugars, starch and cellulose. Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and can be broken down. There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. “Simple carbohydrates are typically digested and absorbed faster in the body.” Simple carbohydrates are commonly found in fruits, vegetables, and milk products. Some processed foods such as cookies also have simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates include starches and fiber. It is important that they be digested before using them as energy. Some examples of complex carbohydrates are foods that are high in starch. Some foods that are high in starch are peas, corn and potatoes. Sugars are made up of three atoms: carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. The metabolic process breaks down food, in addition to sugars, by oxidizing the carbons effectively while accumulating energy. This molecule is known as ATP. In some cases, energy is released as heat. In such process, it grants the body the acceptance to stay at an appropriate temperature. ATP is often referred to as “currency” because many reactions require ATP as an energy source to occur. “The ATP “pays” for the reaction to happen.” ("How Are Sugars Broken Down In The Body?", 2013). Carbohydrates are beneficial to the body in many ways. Carbohydrates are a source of energy that is immediately required to aid the body in performing physical and mental activities. The most important benefit carbohydrates provide for the body is the immediate source of energy. When the body needs an immediate release of energy for performing activities, it begins to use glucose from the carbohydrates. If an amount of glucose is presently lacking, the body will convert the glycogen stored in the fatty tissues into glucose. Furthermore, if extra energy is required, it is obtained by burning the protein

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