angliavandeniai

Angliavandeniai, commonly known as carbohydrates, are one of the three main macronutrients found in food, alongside proteins and fats. They are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, typically with a hydrogen-oxygen atom ratio of 2:1, mirroring that of water. This is where the name "carbohydrate" originates, meaning "hydrated carbon."

Carbohydrates serve as the body's primary source of energy. They are broken down during digestion into glucose, a simple sugar that is then absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells to be used for fuel. Excess glucose can be stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen for later use, or converted into fat.

Carbohydrates are broadly classified into two main categories: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates, also known as sugars, are composed of one or two sugar molecules and are quickly digested, providing a rapid energy boost. Examples include glucose, fructose, and sucrose, found in fruits, honey, and table sugar. Complex carbohydrates, also known as starches or polysaccharides, are made up of long chains of sugar molecules. They are digested more slowly, releasing energy gradually. Common sources include grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn. Fiber is also a type of carbohydrate, though it is not digested for energy but plays a crucial role in digestive health.