Low Molecular Weight Sugars

Carbohydrates can exist as individual molecules or physically associated or chemically attached to other molecules. According to the number of monomers, individual carbohydrate molecules can be classified as monosaccharides, oligosaccharides or polysaccharides. When carbohydrate molecules covalently attached to proteins, the proteins are regarded as glycoproteins. When carbohydrate molecules covalently attached to lipids, the lipids are known as glycolipids. Some carbohydrates are digestible and act as crucial energy source for humans while other carbohydrates are indigestible and fail to act as energy source. Carbohydrates that can be digested, such as lignin, are regarded as dietary fiber. It is shown that consumption of sufficient quantities of dietary fiber is of great benefits of human nutrition and health, reducing the risk of diabetes and constipation, coronary heart disease and certain types of cancers. Besides acting as an important source of energy and dietary fiber, carbohydrates also contribute to the appearance, textural and sweetness of many foods.