Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, and are divided in 4 groups: oligosaccharides (glycose), monosaccharides and disaccharides which are sugars and serve as a quick source of energy, while polysaccharides, like starches serve for storing energy.
The total amount of sugars, including glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, and trehalose. A sugar-heavy diet can cause metabolic dysfunctions.
Sucrose, also known as table sugar, is composed out of glucose and fructose. Sucrose is rich in calories, but doesn’t have a high nutritional value.
Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is the main source of energy.
Fructose, also called fruit sugar, is a monosaccharide which is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Consuming too much fructose can cause high blood pressure.
Galactose is one of the monosaccharides found in lactose. It is less sweet than glucose and contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system.