CARBOHYDRATES

           There are mainly compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Hdrogen and oxygen are generally occuring in the ratio of 2:2, thus known as hydrates of carbon (CH2O). The general formula of carbohydrates can be written as Cn(H2O)n.

Sources of Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are found in wide variety in wide variety of foods. Its important sources are cereals (wheat, maize, rice), potatoes, sugarcane, fruits, breads, milk, etc.
Daily Requirement- A healthy adult person requires on average 500g carbohydrates per day. Approximately 55-75% of total  food calories should be taken in form of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates requirements may be more for athletes, mountaineers, labourers, etc.
Categories of Carbohydrates- Carbohydrates are classified according  to the complexity of chemical substances of which they are formed. They are grouped into:
              (a) Monosacccharides
              (b) Disaccharides
              (c) Polysachharides 
(a) Monosaccharides
(i)  These are chemically simplest forms of carbohydrates in which carbohydrates can exists.
(ii) They cannot be hydrolyzed into smaller carbohydrates.
(iii) Common examples are glucose, fructose, and galactose.
(iv) They are simple sugars, composed of 3-7 carbon atoms
(v)  They are classified according to number of carbon atoms.