NichtKohlenhydrat

NichtKohlenhydrat is a German term that translates to "non-carbohydrate" in English. It broadly refers to any chemical compound that does not fit the definition of a carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically with a hydrogen–oxygen atom ratio of 2:1 (as in water), and thus with the empirical formula Cm(H2O)n. They include sugars, starches, and cellulose.

The category of NichtKohlenhydrat therefore encompasses a vast array of organic and inorganic molecules. This includes macronutrients like proteins and fats (lipids), which are essential for biological functions. Proteins are complex molecules made up of amino acids, while fats are composed of fatty acids and glycerol. Vitamins, minerals, and water are also considered NichtKohlenhydrat, playing crucial roles in metabolism and bodily processes.

In a dietary context, NichtKohlenhydrat refers to foods or components of food that do not contribute significantly to the body's carbohydrate intake. This is particularly relevant in low-carbohydrate diets, such as ketogenic diets, where the focus is on reducing carbohydrate consumption and increasing the intake of fats and proteins. Understanding what constitutes a NichtKohlenhydrat is important for nutritional planning and managing specific dietary needs or health conditions. The term emphasizes what a substance is not, by excluding it from the well-defined class of carbohydrates.