Carbohydrate

A carbohydrate is an organic compound made of joined-up sugars, and only contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Organisms use these compounds as one of several different sources to make glucose to use as a source of energy.

A carbohydrate, along with lipid, protein, and nucleic acid, is one of the four classes that all organic compounds can be divided into. Carbohydrates are made of monosaccharides, or simple sugars, that have bonded together and are made by plants during photosynthesis. Like dietary fats, proteins, and alcohol, it is a source of calories for energy, but unlike fat and protein, there are no essential types of carbohydrates required for proper health. However, vitamins and essential minerals that can be found in some types of high-carbohydrate foods, among other places, are required nutrients. Dietary fiber, which is a type of carbohydrate the humans are unable to process, does have many health benefits and should be included in a healthy diet.

With the exception of dietary fiber, when foods with carbohydrates are eaten, enzymes break the compounds into glucose to be used as a source of calories. Excess glucose in the bloodstream can cause vascular inflammation, obesity, and diabetes.