Definition: A component of food that supplies energy (calories) to the body. One of the three macronutrients (along with proteins and fats). Three broad categories of carbohydrates are sugars (also called simple carbohydrates), starches (also called complex carbohydrates), and fiber. Except for fiber and resistant starch, carbohydrates cause more and faster blood glucose rises than the other macronutrients. Fiber and resistant starch are not digested in the small intestine, but have many positive effects.
Pronunciation: kar bo HY drate
Also Known As: carb, carbs, carbos, sugar, sugars, starch, starches
Common Misspellings: carbohydate carbhydrate
Examples: Grains, fruits, cereals, pasta, breads, and pastries are all primarily carbohydrate.
