Complex Carbohydrates

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Complex Carbohydrates
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Complex Carbohydrates

• Many monosaccharides linked together.
• Called polysaccharides.
• Found in grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables.
• Types include
• Starches
• Cellulose
• Gums
• Pectins

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Starch

• Most abundant complex carbohydrate
• Many glucose units bonded together

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Types of Starch

• Two basic structures in plant
• Amylose
• Linear
• Found in wheat and corn
• Amylopectin
• Branched
• Found in roots and tubers
• Most foods have a combination of both.
• Ratio affects the way the starch functions in
  food.

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Starch

• Found in
• Cereals/grains
• Corn
• Oats
• Wheat
• Rice
• Other plant foods
• Potatoes
• Beans/legumes

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Cellulose

• Many glucose units bonded together
• Beta (?) bonds
• Insoluble fiber
• Forms rigid structure of plants
• Provides texture in fruits and vegetables

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Gums

• Soluble fiber
• Function
• Thicken and stabilize mixtures
• Trap flavor and color
• Examples
• Salad dressings
• Ice cream
• Gummy bears

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Pectins

• Soluble fiber
• Naturally occurring in fruits
• Amount depends on ripeness of fruit
• Decrease ripeness, increase pectin
• Produce strong gels, such as jams and jellies