Nutrients Carbohydrates

The Five Nutrient GroupsThere are five main groups of nutrients:

Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats, Vitamins, Minerals

Water and NSP are not nutrients but vital for life

Nutrient Recap

Protein Recap

Carbohydrate

CarbohydrateWhat is Carbohydrate? Carbohydrates are an ideal source of energy for the body.

This is because they can be converted more readily into glucose, the form of sugar that's transported and used by the body.

There are two types of carbohydrate: Complex

Starch based carbohydrate keeps us fuller for longer and gives the body longer lasting energy.

Complex Carbohydrates are Polysaccharides Simple

Sugar based carbohydrate gives us a short burst of high energy [a sugar rush] that spikes our blood sugar making the body crave more and more sugar

Simple Carbohydrates are Monosaccharide's and Disaccharides

CarbohydratesAll Carbohydrates needs Vitamin B to release their

energy. All carbohydrates form glucose when digested. Glucose is

transported around the body via blood and taken into cells to be converted into energy.

The pancreas gland in your abdomen secretes the hormone insulin, which controls the uptake of glucose by your cells.

If you have any excess glucose, this is converted into glycogen – which is stored in the liver or in fat around the body.

Complex carbohydrates are often referred to as starch or starchy foods. They are found naturally in foods and also refined in processed foods.

Complex carbohydrates as natural starches are found in: Bananas Barley Beans Brown rice Chickpeas Lentils Nuts Oats

Parsnips Potatoes Root vegetables Sweetcorn Wholegrain Cereals Wholemeal Breads Wholemeal Cereals Wholemeal Flour Wholemeal Pasta

Complex carbohydrates as refined starches are found in: Biscuits, pastries and cakes Pizzas Sugary processed breakfast cereals

White Bread White Flour White Pasta White Rice.

Complex Carbohydrates

Simple CarbohydratesSimple carbohydrates are also known as sugars. They also exist in

either a natural or refined form. Natural sugars are found in;

Fruit and Vegetables Refined sugars are found in: Biscuits, cakes and pastries, Chocolate, Honey and Jams, Jellies Brown

and white cane sugar, Pizzas, Prepared foods and sauces, Soft drinks, Sweets and snack bars.

Simple carbohydrates (sugar)can cause tooth decay. Type Two Diabetes

Carbohydrate Recap