1. CARBOHYDRATES

2.  Carbohydrates includes sugars, starches & fibre and are the body’s prime source of energy.  45-65% of your energy intake should come from carbohydrates.  Carbohydrates are classified as simple & complex, and are made up of 3 common elements: carbon, hydrogen & oxygen.

3. 1.Provide energy  Preferred source of energy  When there are not enough carbohydrates to use, the body draws on protein for energy needs FUNCTION OF CARBOHYDRATES:

4. 2.To spare proteins  Body is less efficient in using proteins for energy  Protein used for energy leaves less for building, repairing & maintaining cells & body tissues FUNCTION OF CARBOHYDRATES:

5. 3.Break down fats  If carbohydrate levels are too low, the body cannot break down fats completely  Leads to more acidic blood; may lead to “ketosis” = acidic breath, nausea, weakness, eventually coma and possibly death FUNCTION OF CARBOHYDRATES:

6. 4.To provide bulk to diet  Fibre is responsible for adding bulk  Keeps us feeling full longer  Helps promote normal digestion & elimination of body wastes FUNCTION OF CARBOHYDRATES:

7.  Are all sugars (table sugar, candy, pop, fruit, etc.)  Function = source of energy (quick burst of energy because it is broken down quickly), aids digestion SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATES

8.  Includes starch and fibre  Complex carbs take longer to digest, help regulate blood sugar levels & keep energy levels up  Preferred over simple carbs for health and nutrition COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES

9.  Food source: breads, rice, pasta, veggies (especially potatoes)  Function: the body’s main source of energy (sugar is released into blood stream gradually, longer lasting source of energy) STARCH

10.  Food source: whole grains, fruits, veggies, bran, legumes  Function: aids digestion, linked to prevention of colon cancer & heart disease, promotes normal elimination of waste, promotes satiety  Fibre binds with toxins in food, preventing them from being absorbed  Fibre also speeds up the time food is in the intestines which reduces exposure to toxins in food FIBRE

11. ENERGY CALCULATIONS