Carbohydrates Study Guide

How many grams of sugar are there in 10 teaspoons?

40 grams

Name 5 ingredients that add sugar to food

Brown sugar, honey, syrup, table sugar, & molasses

What does carbohydrates do for you?

Carbohydrates provides energy for you

Describe what is meant by the term empty calories. Identify a food that contains empty calories, and explain why empty calories do not support a nutritious diet.

Empty calories are foods that supply calories and have little or no nutrients. It does not support a nutritious diet because it's not a balanced meal

Explain why it is important to eat foods containing fiber.

Fiber is vital to human digestion

Name 4 foods that are good sources of fiber.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, and dry beans

Why does your body need a good supply of glucose?

Glucose circulates in your bloodstream

Why do young plants taste sweeter than older plants?

In a young plant, glucose usually forms other sugars first. As the plant matures, these become starches

How does digestion convert carbohydrates into energy your body can use?

In the mouth, the enzymes in saliva begin to break down starches. The starch is eventually broken down into glucose that can be absorbed into the blood stream

Identify 2 or 3 additional nutrients that are found in foods that contain complex carbohydrates.

Protein, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, & fiber

What is refined sugar?

Refined sugars are extracted naturally occurring sucrose from sugarcane and sugar beets

What is a simple sugar? Provide 3 examples of simple sugars

Simple sugars are 1 and 2 unit structures that are chemically simple. Glucose, sucrose, & fructose

Why are starches called complex carbohydrates?

Starches are called complex carbohydrates because it is broken down into complicated structures

Name 3 types of carbohydrates that come from plants

Sugars, starches, & fiber