Question

Write a paragraph or two on the importance of carbohydrates in regards to nutrition and why they are vital to the human body.

Answer 1

From the point of nutrition, dietary carbohydrates are the chief source of energy contributing about 65% to 70% of the caloric requirements of the body. On this basis carbohydrates has been categorised into 2 categories,

a) Carbohydrates utilized by our body such as glucose, lactose, fructose, etc

b) Carbohydrate not utilized by our body such as pectin, gums, cellulose etc.

Simple carbohydrate such as glucose is mostly used by our cells but brain is in particularly need of glucose as an energy source. Carbohydrates also helps in fat metabolism and also prevents the breakdown of protein for energy if taken in appropriate quantity.