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.

Foods High in Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate Structure

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrate Monosaccharides

Latest Carbohydrate News and Research

New research reveals why fiber-rich diets fuel you better than refined foods

This study quantifies how much energy the human body harvests from gut microbial fermentation of dietary fiber, integrating bacterial physiology, diet, and metagenomic data. Results reveal that dietary fiber, not microbiome composition, mainly determines the amount of short-chain fatty acids absorbed, impacting daily energy and metabolic health.

31 Jul 2025

Behavioral adaptation precedes morphological change in human evolution

As early humans spread from lush African forests into grasslands, their need for ready sources of energy led them to develop a taste for grassy plants, especially grains and the starchy plant tissue hidden underground.

31 Jul 2025

Saliva testing offers a non-invasive way to detect early metabolic risk

Measuring elevated levels of insulin in blood, called hyperinsulinemia, is a proven way to measure metabolic health and can show risk of developing future health concerns, including Type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

31 Jul 2025

Eating meals earlier could help people at high obesity risk

Research indicates that early eating habits may lower genetic obesity risk, enhancing weight loss maintenance in at-risk adults after dietary treatments.

30 Jul 2025

Deep-sea bacterial compound triggers pyroptosis to fight cancer

Promoting pyroptosis-an inflammatory form of programmed cell death-has become a promising treatment strategy for cancer.

23 Jul 2025

Fad diets and supplements fuel new wave of hidden skin problems, study finds

A new review explains how fad diets and unregulated supplements promoted online can cause serious skin, hair, and nail problems, often before other symptoms appear. Clinicians are urged to recognize these risks and address health misinformation in the digital age.

22 Jul 2025

Restricted diet triggers drop in microbial diversity without convergence

According to a recent exploratory study published in eGastroenterology, the answer is more complex than expected. Researchers from KU Leuven and collaborating institutions conducted a tightly controlled dietary intervention, known as the "Oatmeal Study", to examine whether restricting food variety could induce convergence in the gut microbiota across individuals.

22 Jul 2025

Vegan diets support high-level training, but risks of muscle loss

Vegan diets may enhance performance in semi-professional soccer players, but attention to protein and nutrient intake is crucial for muscle preservation.

22 Jul 2025

Study reveals how age and gender influence dietary patterns in Japan

As the age-old proverb rightly states, "You are what you eat." Our diet largely influences our health and well-being.

17 Jul 2025

Unlocking bacterial genomes to develop tailored probiotic therapies

Probiotics are emerging tools used by neonatal intensive care units to promote healthy outcomes and prevent intestinal diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis.

16 Jul 2025

Nighttime pistachio consumption affects gut bacteria in adults with prediabetes

Prediabetes affects a third of people in the United States and most of them will develop Type 2 diabetes, yet effective dietary intervention strategies remain limited.

14 Jul 2025

More fiber, fewer health risks: evidence for this easy diet fix

This study reveals that adequate dietary fiber intake is crucial for lowering obesity risk and mortality, supporting its role in effective weight management.

9 Jul 2025

Eating habits directly influence vaginal microbiome, research finds

A cross-sectional study of young Italian women found that higher intake of animal protein and alcohol is associated with vaginal microbiota dysbiosis, while linolenic acid (a plant-based omega-3) and dietary fiber support beneficial Lactobacillus communities.

7 Jul 2025

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