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Carbohidratos - Overview

Nombres alternativos

Almidones; Azúcares simples; Azúcares; Carbohidratos complejos; Dieta y carbohidratos; Carbohidratos simples

Definición:

Son uno de los principales componentes de la alimentación. Esta categoría de alimentos abarca azúcares, almidones y fibra.

Funciones:

La principal función de los carbohidratos es suministrarle energía al cuerpo, especialmente al cerebro y al sistema nervioso. Una enzima llamada amilasa ayuda a descomponer los carbohidratos en glucosa (azúcar en la sangre), la cual se usa como fuente de energía por parte del cuerpo.

Carbohidratos complejos

Carbohidratos simples

Alimentos que contienen almidón

Reviewed last on: 6/14/2011
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine (5/13/2010).

Referencias

Farrell JJ. Digestion and absorption of nutrients and vitamins. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 100.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Rockville, MD: United States Department of Health and Human Services and United States Department of Agriculture; 2005.

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