What is Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are molecules that contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are one of the three main nutrients found in food and drinks, along with proteins and fats. 

Carbohydrates are found in regular food items like fruits, grains, and dairy products. They are mainly found in plant foods, but they also occur in dairy products in the form of a milk sugar called lactose.

Characteristics of Carbohydrates

Chemical composition - Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. When burned, they produce carbon dioxide and water. 

Monosaccharides - Carbohydrates are made up of simple units called monosaccharides, which are also known as simple sugars. Polymers - Carbohydrate polymers are made up of thousands of monosaccharides linked together by a glycosidic bond. 

Prebiotics - Carbohydrates are a major source of calories and act as prebiotics, which means they are non-digestible and improve digestion. Dietary fiber - Dietary fiber is a form of carbohydrate, but the body doesn't digest it, so it doesn't provide calories. 

Macronutrients - Carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients that the body needs for energy, along with fats and proteins.

Glucose - Carbohydrates provide the body with glucose, which is converted into energy for bodily functions and physical activity. Energy development - Carbohydrates help transport food to the nervous system and are involved in fat metabolism. They also inhibit the breakdown of proteins for energy

Glycemic index - The glycemic index is a rating of carbohydrates based on how they affect blood sugar levels. 

Types of Carbohydrates

There are 3 types of Carbohydrates in the world. which is divided usig the 2 types of Carbohydrates:

Fiber

Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that the body can't break down. It passes through the small intestine and is fermented in the large intestine. Fiber helps keep the digestive system healthy and can regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Dietary fiber can be found in wholegrain cereals, fruits, and vegetables. 

Soluble fibre soaks up water like a sponge and helps to bulk out our poo (faeces) so it can pass through the gut more easily.

Sugar

Sugar is a disaccharide made up of two sugars, glucose and fructose. It's a sweet, colorless, water-soluble compound found in the sap of seed plants and the milk of mammals. Sugar is a crystalline sweetener used in foods and beverages. 

Starch

Starch is a complex carbohydrate made up of a chain of glucose molecules. It's a natural component of most plants, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. The body breaks down starch molecules into glucose, which is the body's primary fuel source.

Starchy foods are an essential part of a balanced diet.

Tests for carbohydrates: 

Molisch's test - A general test for carbohydrates that uses concentrated sulfuric acid to convert the carbohydrate into furfural or its derivatives. These derivatives then react with α-naphthol to form a purple product.

Fehling's test - Involves heating a sample of the carbohydrate with a solution of Fehling's reagent. If carbohydrates are present, the reagent will turn from blue to brick red.

Iodine test - Used to detect the existence of carbohydrates in food items, such as starch.

Benedict's test - Used to test for simple carbohydrates, such as monosaccharides and some disaccharides. Benedict's solution can also be used to test for the presence of glucose in urine.

Seliwanoff's test - Often considered to be a test for ketohexoses in carbohydrates. Ketohexoses are monosaccharides that contain both a ketone and six carbons.