Definition of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates store and transport energy. They are a big factor in the immune system, blood clotting, fertilization and development. As has been stated many times, there are good carbohydrates and bad carbohydrates. Below is information covering those types of carbohydrates and their various names.

Monosaccaharides

Monosaccarides, also known as aldose, play a key role in fueling the metabolism.

Disaccharides

These are commonly known as sucrose and lactose. Sucrose is found in plants and lactose is found in mammal's milk, such as cows. These are a form of a simple carbohydrate.

Polysaccharides

Callose and laminarin are some forms of polysaccharides. Polysaccharides play an important part in storage in the body. These are a form of a simple carbohydrate.

Benefits

Carbohydrates can be found in breads, pastas, rice, beans and potatoes. They are a good energy source for the body. The Institute of Medicine recommends that we get 65 percent of our dietary energy from them.

Simple and Complex

Simple carbohydrates are found in sugar and milk. Of course, the milk would be the more healthy of the two. Complex carbohydrates, also known as starch, are found in bread, pasta, rice and crackers.