carbohydrates or also known as saccharides, are the most plentiful out of the four major classes of biomolecules. They have several functions such as storing and transporting energy and being the structural building blocks of living things.Carbohydrates also contribute immensely for the proper functioning of the immune system,fertilization, blood clotting and development.They play a key role in communications between cells and other parts of the body as well as cellular interactions between the cells in the cellular environment.

Every carbohydrate is not good and every carbohydrate is not bad. Some are essential for a healthy lifestyle while certain carbohydrates ,if eaten in excess, can pose a threat to one’s health by causing diabetes and coronary heart disease. Carbohydrates are a vital element of a healthy diet as it is the provider of bodily fuel for physical activities and for proper organ functioning. The ideal source of carbohydrates is vegetables, fruits, whole grain and fiber as they provide essential vitamins and minerals.An array of foods that include them are beans, milk, potatoes, cookies, corn, pasta and bread. Sugars,fibres and starches are the most common and plentiful forms of carbohydrates.

A sugar molecule is the most fundamental component of every good carbohydrates which is made by the combination of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.Certain carbohydrates include hundreds of sugars as starches and fibres that consist of chains of sugar particles. The digestive system breaks down the carbohydrates into single sugar molecules since it has to be small enough to cross through the bloodstream.The cells take in the digestible carbohydrates and transforms them into glucose as a general energy source. As fiber could not be broken down the same way, it does not digest in the body. Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber don’t nourish the body but are beneficial for the health in many ways. Fiber lowers low-density lipoprotein and regulates the body’s use of sugars. The insoluble fibers help the food push through the intestinal tract encouraging regularity.

Foods such as whole wheat bread, brown rice and whole grain pasta will help shield the body against a variety of persisting diseases. A good way to start adding more carbohydrates to your diet is by starting the day with whole grains such as cereals, old-fashioned oats or whole oats. Brown rice or whole grain breads should be used for lunch or snacks. If you’re a little picky go for the half whole wheat flour and half white flour. Beans are slowly digested carbohydrates and are a great source of protein, so make sure to include plenty of it in your regular diet.