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Carbohydrates (from 'hydrates of carbon') or saccharides (Greek s???a???, sákcharon, meaning "sugar") are the most abundant of the four major classes of biomolecules. They fill numerous roles in living things, such as the storage and transport of energy (starch, glycogen) and structural components (cellulose in plants, chitin in animals). Additionally, carbohydrates and their derivatives play major roles in the working process of the immune system, fertilization, pathogenesis, blood clotting, and development.^[1]

Chemically, carbohydrates are simple organic compounds that are aldehydes or ketones with many hydroxyl groups added, usually one on each carbon atom that is not part of the aldehyde or ketone functional group. The basic carbohydrate units are called monosaccharides, such as glucose, galactose, and fructose. The general stoichiometric formula of an unmodified monosaccharide is (C·H₂O)_n, where n is any number of three or greater; however, the use of this word does not follow this exact definition and many molecules with formulae that differ slightly from this are still called carbohydrates, and others that possess formulae agreeing with this general rule are not called carbohydrates (eg formaldehyde).^[2]

Monosaccharides can be linked together into what are called polysaccharides (or oligosaccharides) in almost limitless ways. Many carbohydrates contain one or more modified monosaccharide units that have had one or more groups replaced or removed. For example, deoxyribose, a component of DNA, is a modified version of ribose; chitin is composed of repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine, a nitrogen-containing form of glucose. The names of carbohydrates often end in the suffix -ose.

Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates in that they cannot be hydrolyzed to smaller carbohydrates. The general chemical formula of an unmodified monosaccharide is (C•H₂O)_n, where n is any number of three or greater.

Carbohydrate Subcategories Carbohydrate Articles Increase Your Metabolism by Michael Podlesny Jan 06, 2009 In order to for your body to burn that unnecessary and unsightly fat, your body must burn it away through your body’s metabolism. Your metabolism is the rate at which your body burns fat. Ideally you want to increase your metabolic rate which in tu... Low Carbohydrate Diets | Lose that extra weight by Jason Farmer Jan 01, 2009 Low carb diets are very popular these days. The philosophy of cutting down on bad fats, sugars, and carbohydrates has turned the world of dieting and weight loss upside down. Studies have shown that people who steadily reduce their carbs lose weigh... Low-carbohydrate Diets - How They Work by Mark Green Dec 19, 2008 For people who are looking to lose weight and/or maintain a healthy lifestyle, there are many diets available. One option, which is very good for many people, is a low-carbohydrate diet. As the name suggests, this type of diet aims to reduce the amou... Understanding Good Carbohydrates Vs Bad Carbs and Choosing Healthy for Weight Loss by THOPMSON Stephen Dec 18, 2008 There has been so much confusion about the topic of good carbohydrates and bad carbohydrates in recent years... I wanted to help clear up some of that confusion for you and set you on a clearer path to lifelong fat loss success and healthier eating. ... What You Should Know About High Protein Foods and Carbohydrates by Fatloss Lady Nov 17, 2008 Foods high in protein include: dairy products, meats (including poultry), eggs, fish, spinach, shellfish, crustacean (crab, shrimp, lobster) and soybean. Other very good, yet less obvious sources of protein include: legumes, whole grains, beans, peas... Is That Potatoes Really A Bad Carbohydrate Choice? - Find Out How To Lose The Belly Fat by Kevin Loo Oct 15, 2008 Potatoes! Why I wanted to mention this? Because so many health and fitness professionals trash talk potatoes about being a bad carbohydrate choice because of the high glycemic index. Some even say such ridiculous things as "avoid any and all white ca... The Myth About Carbohydrates and Diets by Troy Foote Sep 29, 2008 Just what are carbohydrates or carbs? Are they important in weight loss and how do they benefit or harm the body? What foods are high in carbohydrates? These and many other questions will be answered within this article. So lets start with the fir... The Truth about Carbs by Patrick Todd Sep 08, 2008 What is the truth about carbs? I have to admit that I am a carb addict, I can never get enough of them, but I am sure my body could use a little break now and then as it doesn't help with the waist line. There are different types of carbohydrates and... How To Lose Weight Fast by Jimmy C Aug 22, 2008 How To Lose Weight Fast!… So you want to lose weight? I can help you with that. You don’t need to exercise, take any diet pills or starve yourself to lose weight. What I can tell you is by far more effective than any of those... Plan Your Wieght Loss Through Your Diet by Ian Read Aug 16, 2008 Ever since obesity has been termed as an epidemic, it has attracted attention throughout the world. In America weight loss has become an industry. The air is thick with discussions and counter-discussions about various diet plans being proposed by...