Carbohydrate consists of three elements: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. It is the most abundant organic compound with broad-spectrum chemical structure and biological function in nature. It can be represented by the general formula CX (H2O) y. Because it contains two to one hydrogen and oxygen like water, it is called carbohydrate.
It can provide heat energy for human body. Carbohydrates in food are divided into two categories: effective carbohydrates that people can absorb and utilize and ineffective carbohydrates that people can't digest. Carbohydrate is the main source of energy needed by all living things to maintain life activities. It is not only a nutrient, but also some of them have special physiological activities.
Intake source
Generally speaking, carbohydrates have no specific dietary requirements. It is mainly to obtain a reasonable proportion of calorie intake from carbohydrates. In addition, at least 50 ~100g of digestible carbohydrates should be ingested every day to prevent carbohydrate deficiency.
The main food sources of carbohydrates are: sugar, grains (such as rice, wheat, corn, barley, oats, sorghum, etc. ), fruits (such as sugar cane, melon, watermelon, banana, grape, etc. ), dried fruits, dried beans, root vegetables (such as carrots and sweet potatoes). ).