Introduction
What Are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are one of the three primary classes of macronutrients that make up the food we eat. Over the years, there have been many changes to the types of carbohydrates available for consumers today.
In this century, there has been a dramatic shift away from the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates toward an increase in the consumption of refined carbohydrates. These refined carbohydrates and their increased consumption have been linked to the sudden rise in many chronic diseases long lasting and life-changing such as:
- obesity
- diabetes
- cardiovascular disease
- tooth decay
Refined carbohydrates include products made with processed flour such as crackers, cakes, snack foods, and pasta where the entire grain is no longer intact. The manufacturing process removes important parts of the grain and some of the nutritive value as well.
Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...
- Describe the broad functions of carbohydrates in the body
- Evaluate your personal intake of carbohydrates
Essential Questions
- Why do I need carbs?
- Where do I get carbs in my diet?
- Are carbs good or bad for me?
- Are there different types of carbs?
Enduring Understandings
- The body requires a variety of nutrients to work efficiently.
- Carbohydrates come from plants.
- Carbohydrates are a major source of energy.
- Fiber is an important component of carbohydrates.
The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Dietetics standards: 2.