Functions of Carbohydrate
The main function of carbohydrate is to provide energy. Each gram of starch or sugar gives four calories to the body.
About 65 top 80 –percent of energy is supplied by the carbohydrates, mainly in the form of starch.
Some of this energy is used as glucose to supply immediate energy needs of the body, a small portion is stored as glycogen (about 350 g) mainly in the muscles and liver; and any excess intake is converted to fat and stored as adipose tissue.
Glucose is the source of energy for the central nervous system.
Another important function is to spare proteins for their main function of tissue building and maintenance. It is important to supply sufficient carbohydrates and fats to meet the essential energy needs of the body, otherwise proteins are metabolized to meet energy requirement of the body.
A third functions is related to proper utilization of fat from the diet. It is that fats burn in the flame of carbohydrates, indicating the need for major part of energy to be supplied in the form of carbohydrates.
Certain carbohydrates have special role in the body. Lactose aids the absorption of calcium, Ribose a five carbon sugar, is a part of the important compounds DNA and RNA.
Cellulose and other indigestible carbohydrates aid the movements of food through the digestive tract by their capacity to absorb water and help to maintain muscle tone.
Functions of Carbohydrate