Carbohydrates

Any group of organic compounds consisting only of the union of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms.  This union results in a sugar molecule, the basic building block of every carbohydrate (with starches and fibers being essentially chains of sugar molecules).  There are two classes of carbohydrates: complex and simple.  Complex carbohydrates refer to starch and starchy processed foodstuffs, with natural starches including bananas, lentils and potatoes.  Simple carbohydrates are also known as sugars, with natural sugars being found in fruits and vegetables.  Carbohydrates, sometimes referred to as saccharides, are the main source of energy for the body, because they can be more readily converted into glucose that the two other macronutrients (viz., fats and proteins).  Carbohydrates have important functions in maintaining the health of the immune system, in fertilization, and during the development of the brain due to its high energy demands and high metabolic rate.  In order to support these demands, lactose is the main carbohydrate in human breast milk: the milk released at the beginning a feed (foremilk) is high in carbohydrates (but low in fats), with more creamier milk become evident as the feed progresses (hindmilk).