Carbohydrate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| sugar |
Use when talking about sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Common in everyday conversations about food and diet.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'carbohydrate'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'carbohydrate' comes from the French word 'hydrate de carbone', meaning 'carbon water', which reflects the general formula of these compounds. The concept of carbohydrates as energy-providing nutrients dates back to the early studies of nutrition in the 19th century. Carbohydrates play a crucial role in human nutrition and are a major source of energy in our diets.