NutritionLesson 1 of 3 in the course A Holistic View of Macronutrients

Carbohydrate Digestion, Food Choices, and Blood Glucose

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and fiber. Understanding their structures and how the body digests them helps explain how they provide energy and affect digestion and blood glucose.

Carbohydrates are organic molecules made primarily of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They occur naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and dairy products. The term includes both simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.

All flashcards

What is a monosaccharide?
A monosaccharide is a single sugar molecule that cannot be broken down into a simpler sugar. Glucose, galactose, and fructose are important examples in human nutrition.
What is the role of glucose?
Glucose provides energy to cells and is the preferred fuel for the brain and nervous system.
How do sucrose, lactose, and maltose differ?
Sucrose consists of glucose and fructose, lactose consists of glucose and galactose, and maltose consists of two glucose molecules.
How does starch differ from fiber?
Both are complex carbohydrates, but starch is digestible and broken down into sugars, whereas fiber passes through the digestive system largely undigested.
How should someone increase dietary fiber?
Increase fiber-rich foods gradually and drink adequate fluids. This can help limit cramping, gas, and bloating.

Quiz questions

  1. Which monosaccharide is the preferred fuel for the brain and nervous system?Answer: Glucose
  2. What is a disaccharide?Answer: A carbohydrate made of two monosaccharide molecules
  3. Which enzyme begins starch digestion in the mouth?Answer: Salivary amylase
  4. Which pair of monosaccharides forms lactose?Answer: Glucose and galactose
  5. A person suddenly adds a large amount of fiber to their diet and develops gas and bloating. Which change could help reduce this discomfort?Answer: Increase fiber gradually and maintain adequate fluid intake

Based on Nutrition for Nurses by Emerald Charity Bilbrew, Jody Vogelzang, Kelli Whittington (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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