Carbohydrate

A carbohydrate is an organic compound with general formula C''m''(H2O)''n'', that is, consisting only of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, the last two in the 2:1 atom ratio. Carbohydrates can be viewed as hydrates of carbon, hence their name.

What are Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are one of the most important food groups in the diet. They provide essential elements that the body needs for instant energy production and various vital functions.

Carbohydrate Structure

Carbohydrate Monosaccharides

Foods High in Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Latest Carbohydrate News and Research

Plant-based fitness supplements for reversing metabolic syndrome

Research indicates that specific plant-based supplements, combined with exercise, can improve cardiometabolic markers in those at risk for metabolic syndrome.

2 Jul 2025

Bedfont® Scientific Limited expands Middle East reach with Kuwaiti distributor

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, world leaders in breath analysis, is pleased to announce its collaboration with Medvision for Medical Services Company in Kuwait.

From Bedfont® Scientific Ltd 1 Jul 2025

Coffee’s hidden compounds could help fight type 2 diabetes

A comprehensive review of nearly 150 studies reveals that coffee polyphenols may help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation linked to type 2 diabetes. However, most evidence comes from preclinical research, and robust clinical trials are needed to confirm benefits.

29 Jun 2025

Just 150 minutes of exercise a week could reverse prediabetes

Engaging in more than 150 minutes of physical activity per week quadrupled the odds of reversing prediabetes to normal glucose levels in Colombian adults. Higher BMI and HbA1c remained strong barriers to reversal, highlighting the power of lifestyle interventions.

29 Jun 2025

Missing gut bacteria in US babies triples allergy and eczema risk

US infants lacking Bifidobacterium in their gut microbiome face significant changes in microbial composition, metabolic function, and immune-related health risks. This large, nationally representative study links early-life Bifidobacterium deficits to a three-fold increase in eczema, allergy, or asthma by age two.

25 Jun 2025

Probiotics remain potent in simple plant-based drinks

Non-encapsulated probiotics thrive in fruit and vegetable juices, maintaining viability and sensory appeal, paving the way for innovative functional beverages.

24 Jun 2025

US children who eat more fruit have less abdominal fat

Research shows that increased fruit consumption is associated with reduced abdominal fat in children, highlighting its importance in obesity prevention.

23 Jun 2025

Men lose more weight than women on the keto diet, new study reveals why

Men lose more weight than women on a ketogenic diet, according to a comprehensive review in Frontiers in Nutrition. Sex differences in hormones, metabolism, and fat distribution influence the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet for obesity.

22 Jun 2025

Flies on dairy farms act as hidden carriers of superbugs and zoonotic threats

Researchers used deep metagenomic sequencing to trace zoonotic pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes from cow manure into the guts of muscid flies on a French dairy farm. Findings reveal that flies not only carry but may amplify dangerous microbes, underscoring public health risks.

22 Jun 2025

Intermittent fasting shows similar weight loss benefits to traditional diets

Intermittent fasting diets appear to have similar benefits to traditional calorie-restricted diets for weight loss, suggests an analysis of trial evidence published by The BMJ today.

19 Jun 2025

Time-restricted feeding restores microbial rhythms and boosts metabolism

The gut microbiome, a vast assortment of bacteria and other microorganisms that inhabit our digestive system, plays a critical role in converting food into energy.

19 Jun 2025

Berries pack more fiber and antioxidants than America’s most-eaten fruits

Replacing one daily serving of commonly eaten fruits like apples or bananas with berries significantly boosts nutrient density in USDA dietary patterns. The modeling analysis showed notable gains in anthocyanins, fiber, and vitamins, with only modest cost increases.

16 Jun 2025

Meal and sleep timing play key roles in diabetes prevention

High-resolution digital tracking reveals how daily habits, meal timing, sleep, and physical activity shape metabolic risk for type 2 diabetes. Meal timing, sleep patterns, and activity windows each play distinct roles in insulin resistance and glucose control.

12 Jun 2025

What researchers found when they compared food labels in 17 countries

New research uncovers how hyper-palatable foods saturate the US food supply and highlights urgent public health challenges posed by engineered foods worldwide.

9 Jun 2025

Healthy diet improves metabolism even without weight loss

Nearly one-third of people who adopted and adhered to a healthy diet did not lose any weight, but still reaped many health benefits, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Ben Gurion University, Israel.

6 Jun 2025

Maternal exposure to metals rewires infants’ gut and resistance genes

Prenatal exposure to trace elements like selenium, copper, and arsenic can significantly alter the infant gut microbiome, metabolism, and antibiotic resistance gene patterns. These changes appear as early as three months and evolve during the first year of life.

5 Jun 2025

Back-to-basics, 'not fad' diets beat heart disease and diabetes

This review examines dietary interventions that can improve cardiometabolic health, highlighting the role of whole foods in reducing heart disease and diabetes.

4 Jun 2025

How soy and gut microbes alter cancer treatment results

Researchers have discovered that plant-derived phytochemicals and their gut microbiome metabolites control the effectiveness of PI3K inhibitors in cancer therapy. The study reveals that dietary components, especially soy compounds processed by gut bacteria, can alter drug metabolism and impact treatment outcomes.

2 Jun 2025

Expert review reveals how to fuel triathletes for optimal results

This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 35 studies to guide optimal nutrition, supplementation, and recovery for triathletes. The findings highlight the critical importance of glycogen balance, hydration, targeted supplementation, and ongoing education—especially for female athletes at risk of energy deficiency.

2 Jun 2025

Healthy food choices found to be key in reducing heart disease risk

A new study that followed almost 200,000 people for several decades has found that when it comes to heart health, the quality of food consumed matters as much as following a low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet.

1 Jun 2025