carbohyrates

carbohydates are the sugars, starches and fibres found in fruit, grain, vegetables and milk products. though often maligned in trendy diets, carbohydrates - one of the basic food groups - are important to a healthy life.

"carbohydrates are macronutrients, meaning they are one of the three main ways the body obtain energy or calories," said Paige Smathers, a Utah-based registered dietitian. the American diabetes association notes that carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy.they are called carbohydrates because, at the chemical level, they contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

there are three macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fats. macronutrients are essential for proper body functioning, and the body requires large amounts of them. all macronutrients must be obtained through diet; the body cannot produce macronutrients on its own.

the recommended daily amount of carbs for an adult is 135 grams, according to the national institutes of health; however, the NIH also recommends that everyone should be between 45 and 65 per cent of total calories. one gram of carbohydrates is equal to 4 calories, so a diet of 1,800 calories per day would equal about 202 grams on the low end and 292 grams of…