Carbohydrate: meaning, definitions and examples
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carbohydrate
[หkษหrbษสหhaษชdreษชt ]
Definitions
food component
A carbohydrate is a biological molecule consisting of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms, usually with a hydrogenโoxygen atom ratio of 2:1.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| carbohydrate |
Scientific or general discussions about nutrition and biochemistry.
|
| sugar |
Everyday conversations about sweeteners, general nutrition, and discussions about diet. Can have a negative connotation when discussing health issues.
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| starch |
Conversations about specific types of carbohydrates found mainly in plant-based foods like potatoes and grains.
|
| glucose |
Medical or scientific discussions about blood sugar levels and energy production.
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Examples of usage
- Carbohydrates are commonly found in grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
- Simple carbohydrates like sugar provide a quick source of energy.
- Complex carbohydrates like starch provide sustained energy over a longer period of time.
chemistry
In chemistry, a carbohydrate is any of a large group of organic compounds occurring in foods and living tissues and including sugars, starch, and cellulose.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| carbohydrate |
Use when discussing a broad category of macronutrients that includes sugars, starches, and fibers. Often seen in nutrition and health-related contexts.
|
| sugar |
Use when talking about sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Common in everyday conversations about food and diet.
|
| starch |
Use when referring to complex carbohydrates found primarily in grains, potatoes, and other staple foods. Often used in discussions about cooking and food properties.
|
| glucose |
Use when referring to a specific type of sugar that is a primary source of energy for the body's cells. Common in medical and biological discussions.
|
Examples of usage
- Carbohydrates are classified into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides based on their structure.
- Cellulose, a carbohydrate found in plant cell walls, provides structural support.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the French word 'hydrate de carbone', which means 'carbon hydrate', referring to its structure.
- The word 'carbohydrate' was first used in scientific literature in the 19th century.
Nutrition Science
- Carbohydrates are divided into simple and complex types; simple ones are sugars, while complex ones include starches and fibers.
- They're essential for brain function, as the brain relies heavily on glucose, a simple sugar that carbohydrates break down into.
- Dietary fiber, a type of carbohydrate, is important for digestion and can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Culture
- Different cultures have unique staple foods high in carbohydrates, such as rice in Asia, bread in Europe, and potatoes in Ireland.
- Carbohydrate-rich foods often play a central role in celebrations, like cakes and bread during festivals and holidays.
Health Trends
- Low-carb diets have become popular for weight management, leading to variations in how people perceive carbohydrates.
- Excessive carbohydrate consumption can lead to health issues if not balanced properly, but they are still a crucial energy source.
Historical Perspectives
- Historically, carbohydrates have been a major part of human diets for thousands of years, originating from agricultural practices.
- The shift towards processed carbohydrates started in the late 19th century, changing dietary patterns globally.
Translations
Translations of the word "carbohydrate" in other languages:
๐ต๐น carboidrato
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคฐเฅเคฌเฅเคนเคพเคเคกเฅเคฐเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Kohlenhydrat
๐ฎ๐ฉ karbohidrat
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒัะณะปะตะฒะพะด
๐ต๐ฑ wฤglowodan
๐ฏ๐ต ็ญๆฐดๅ็ฉ
๐ซ๐ท glucide
๐ช๐ธ carbohidrato
๐น๐ท karbonhidrat
๐ฐ๐ท ํ์ํ๋ฌผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุฑุจูููุฏุฑุงุช
๐จ๐ฟ sacharid
๐ธ๐ฐ sacharid
๐จ๐ณ ็ขณๆฐดๅๅ็ฉ
๐ธ๐ฎ ogljikov hidrat
๐ฎ๐ธ kolvetni
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบำฉะผัััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฎแจแแ แฌแงแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ karbohidrat
๐ฒ๐ฝ carbohidrato