Protein Facts
- Carbohydrates are our main source of energy
- Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
- This group of nutrients includes sugars, starches and non-starch polysaccharide (NSP)
- Glucose, fructose, lactose and maltose are examples of sugars
- Sugars give food its sweet taste
- Starch is known as a complex carbohydrate, or polysaccharide, and is made up of a large number of glucose units joined together
- Fibre, is known as non starch polysaccharide (NSP).
- NSP contains a mixture of substances, including complex carbohydrates, which cannot be digested in the small intestine of humans.
- NSP may help to prevent constipation and reduce the risk of bowel disorders
Sources of Carbohydrate in the diet
Sugars: Fruits, cakes, biscuits, sweets, sugary drinks.
Starches: Potatoes, pasta, bread, cereals, rice
NSP: Wholegrain bread, wholegrain pasta, nuts, wholegrain rice, peas, beans, lentils.
