Characterization Of Carbohydrates

The first nutrient to be chemically identified was the carbohydrate. The term carbohydrate actually encompasses a number of different compounds, most of which almost always contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The primary purpose of carbohydrates is providing the body with a source energy that acts as an alternative to the other source of energy, which is fat. The most familiar carbohydrates are sugar and starch.

Carbohydrate Food Types

Foods that contain sugars, starch and cellulose are known as complex carbohydrates or unrefined carbohydrates. This type of carbohydrate food source is usually rich in vitamins, but lacking in protein. Refined carbohydrates are food products that are considered pure sources of energy, such as common table sugar. The Doctors' Medical Library asserts that refined carbohydrates lack nutrients as well as cellulose.

Enzymatic Breakdown

Complex carbohydrates need to be broken down into simple monosaccharide sugars before they can be used by the body. Enzymes found in saliva and digestive juices are used in this process, which breaks down polysaccharides into monosaccharides such as glucose or fructose. Polysaccharide cellulose is not affected by this breaking down process and passes through the body essentially unchanged, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Uses of Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates such as starches and sugars are used by the body to produce energy not just for human beings, but for most living organisms. Carbohydrates, such as cellulose, are used to provide a structural foundation for things as small as individual cells or entire bodies of plants, bacteria and insects. Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis Department of Biology reveals that some animals are capable of breaking down these structural support carbohydrates even though humans cannot.

Unique Qualities of Glucose

Glucose is the only carbohydrate form that can be used immediately by the body. The bloodstream is capable of carrying an hour's worth of glucose supply at any given time of day. Glucose not needed immediately for energy is converted into glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles. Once the energy is again required, the liver converts glycogen back into glucose, according to "Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal."

Dietary Recommendations

No recommended daily allowance for carbohydrates has yet been established by the U.S. government, but guidelines suggest that most diets should incorporate more than 50 percent of calories from carbohydrates. Exceptions include diabetics, who should strive for a more balanced diet of protein, fat and starches. The carbohydrates in the diet of a person suffering heart disease should emphasize polysaccharide fibers. Since carbohydrates are easily digested, they should make up the bulk of the menu for anyone suffering from a digestive disorder.