How do carbohydrates affect your body? Carbohydrates are one of the macronutrients your body gets from food. These are the macromolecules that your body converts into sugars. There are many types of carbohydrates depending upon the structure, source, and methods of preparation. Brain and carbohydrates are directly related to each other as your mind gets its fuel from them.
This article will know about the types of carbohydrates, their effect on the body, and the link between the brain and carbohydrates.
Types of carbohydrates
Depending upon the structure, there are two types of carbohydrates; simple and complex.
1. Simple sugars
In simple words, Simple sugars, also known as monosaccharides, include; glucose, fructose, and galactose. Glucose, also known as grape sugar, is present in most sweet fruits and honey. Fructose serves as a sweetening agent. If you join 2 to 9 simple sugars, you get oligosaccharides; sucrose, lactose, and maltose.
2. Complex sugars
On the other hand, complex sugars have high mass and are formed by combining ten or more simple sugars. These include starch and glycogen; both are colorless and known as non-sugars.
Types of carbohydrates for your health
All carbs are not equally made. Many people consider carbs as ‘bad.’ Carbs are present in any foods that your body consumes in the form of sugars. The carbs found in natural foods like fruits, veggies, dairy, beans, pulses, and whole wheat foods are vital for your health. However, the refined or processed carbs present in white rice, white bread, and white sugar are unhealthy. When you eat processed carbs, they cause an abrupt increase in blood sugar levels, causing diabetes. Moreover, they can also cause obesity as they digest quickly.
How your body digest carbohydrates
The process of digestion begins in your mouth. Most of the foods have complex sugars and need enzymes to break them into smaller sugars. While you chew your meal, it gets mixed with salivary enzymes and then goes to your stomach. The food then enters the small intestine, where the pancreas releases amylase that decomposes carbs into disaccharides. The enzymes in the small intestine further convert disaccharides to monosaccharides. In this way, carbs are fully absorbed in your body.
How carbohydrates affect your brain
You can know the connection between the brain and carbohydrates because carbs are also called ‘brain food.’ Carbohydrates are one of the significant sources of energy for your mind. You know that the brain controls many of your actions and activities. It needs a continuous supply of energy for proper functioning. Your brain needs at least 100 grams of carbohydrates each day to function at its optimal level.
How your body uses carbohydrates as energy
Have you ever wondered how a bite of bread you eat converts into energy? One of the primary functions of carbs is to provide power to your body. When your carbs absorb in your bloodstream, it transfers to the tissue where it can be processed and utilized as energy. Your brain usually consumes carbs in glucose, enabling the brain to send signals to neurons to carry out a process.
How carbohydrates affect stomach fat and muscle growth
Your body stores carbs in your muscles in the form of glycogen. However, if you eat extra carbs, they are stored in your body in fat for later use. If you want to gain muscles, you must add carbs to your diet. Moreover, they help to repair your muscles. Carbohydrates affect your body by providing energy to fuel muscles, the brain, and other vital organs.
