Carbohydrates are the main source of blood glucose, which is the chief source of energy for the central nervous system, brain, nerves & muscles. All carbohydrates need to be broken down into glucose to be used as energy. Carbohydrates are divided into two categories – simple carbohydrates & complex carbohydrates both are converted into glucose. The glucose is used directly to provide energy for the body, or stored in the liver for future use. Simple carbohydrates include fructose (fruit sugar), sucrose (table sugar), & lactose (milk sugar). Complex carbohydrates include fibre & starches.

Functions of Carbohydrates

• Energy – main function of glucose
• Bowel function
• Sweetening & flavouring
• Acts as a precursor substance – hormones, chemicals, enzymes
• Spares protein – leaving it available for more important functions eg growth
• Gluconeogenesis – in the liver – the production of glucose from fats or proteins

Food sources of Carbohydrates

When selecting carbohydrate-rich foods it is important to select unrefined (complex carbohydrates) foods such as fruit & vegetables & wholegrains as opposed to refined, processed (simple carbohydrates) foods such as sugar, soft drinks, lollies etc.

• Vegetables (plant matter)
• Fruit
• Grains – oats, rye, wheat, millet, rice, barley, amaranth
• Legumes – soybeans, kidney beans, peanuts, lentils, lima beans
• Honey
• Nuts & seeds
• Milk & milk products