| Carbohydrates are produced mainly by plants during photosynthesis. They fall into two categories:
i)sugar
ii)starch and cellulose
Carbohydrates contain the 3 elements carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.
Carbohydrates are an important energy source, acting as a 'protein sparer'. Allowing protein to be used for body growth and repair and maintenance. Sugar is, however, a source of empty energy providing no other nutrients and it is better to gain energy from other foods. Excess carbohydrate is converted into fat and stored under the skin - snack foods in the diet may cause obesity if eaten in large amounts. Starch is a good energy source, containing other nutrients and dietary fibre. It also serves to prevent over eating - starchy foods are bulky and therefore filling.
Sugar is found in jam, honey, treacle and syrup. N.B. Sugar causes tooth decay and in excess it can lead to obesity.
Valuable source of starch include bread, flour, potatoes and pasta.
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