The main functions of carbohydrates

Functions of carbohydrates are numerous. These substances themselves are synthesized in small amounts in our organisms, which means that we must consume enough carbohydrate daily. Easily assimilated carbohydrates, as well as others, can be obtained from products of plant origin. The reason is that the primary synthesis occurs in plants that have a green color. It is possible due to photosynthesis. For example, in cereals of these substances can be up to 80 percent.

Functions of carbohydrates

There are several of them. It makes sense to consider each of them in detail.

The first is energy. The fact is that carbohydrates break up with the release of energy. It can dissipate in the form of heat or deposited in ATP molecules. Up to six percent of our energy comes from carbohydrates. They provide muscular endurance by more than 70 percent. They are also necessary for the brain energy substratum.

There is also a plastic function of carbohydrates. They are used to build nucleic acids, as well as various nucleotides. They are included in the composition of enzymes, they are structural elements of individual membranes.

They are in the supply of our nutrients. They can accumulate in skeletal muscles, organs, tissues. Accumulation takes place in the form of glycogen. If a person is constantly in motion, then the stock of this substance becomes larger. This is good, as the body becomes more hardy. Everyone, for sure, has already understood how to improve their own performance.

Functions of carbohydrates include a specific function. It is caused by the fact that these substances take a direct part in the process of blood coagulation, do not give rise to tumors, are anticoagulants.

Consider the remaining functions of carbohydrates.

They also have a protective function. The matter is that the substances under consideration are components of the immune system. If they are not enough for a long time, then we start constantly and unreasonably sick. Hardly anyone today is surprised by the fact that our health depends on what products we eat, and on what substances these products contain.

There is also a regulatory function. Fiber, which is contained in food, is not able to digest in our stomachs, however, it is capable of improving it.

Carbohydrates, which are found in vegetable products (vegetables, bread, etc.) can be classified as various polysaccharides (mono-, di-).

Monosaccharides are almost always sucrose and glucose. They are contained in honey, fruits and so on. They are called sugars. Glucose enters the blood almost instantly. It leads to hyperglycemia of the blood, which in turn becomes the cause of activation of the pancreas functions in the production of insulin - a substance capable of ensuring the ingestion of glucose into tissues. Insulin has affected - the level of glucose in the blood has dropped sharply. The result will be weakness.