The Chemistry of Carbohydrates and Their Effects on the Human Body

Carbohydrates represent one of the most essential and diverse groups of biological compounds. Also known as sugars or saccharides, they perform crucial roles, including serving as primary energy sources, acting as signaling molecules, and providing structural support. Delving into carbohydrate chemistry reveals the intricate molecular interactions that sustain life and facilitate various biochemical processes. At their core, carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms, generally following the ratio of CH2O. Depending on their size and structure, carbohydrates can be classified into categories such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.