What Are Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body's primary energy providers. Written for young children, this book discusses the main forms of carbs, how they are created, and why they are important. It explains the differences between simple and complex carbohydrates and between monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. It details how carbs are broken down in the digestive system into units small enough to be distributed through the bloodstream, absorbed by cells, and converted into energy. Other subjects investigated are carb "loading," major and minor health problems caused by carbs, and the importance of managing the consumption of different types of carbohydrates.