CARBOHYDRATES

• CARBOHYDRATES:

  a.FIGS

  b. PRUNES

  c. SUGAR CANE

  d. TAMARIND

  e. ARROWROOT

  f. BANANA

  g. CASSAVA

  h. POTATO

  i. RICE

  j. SWEET POTATO

  k. WHEAT

  l. COTTON

  m. AGAR

  n. ACACIA

  o. GUMAMELA
• Figs - are a sweet, fleshy fruit that have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, but are now grown in many parts of the world.
• figs - also known as ficus carica
• Figs - these are a good source of carbohydrates, with about 13.5 grams per 100 grams of fresh fruit.
• The main types of carbohydrates in figs are:

  • fructose
  • glucose
  • sucrose
  • fibers (pectin)
• Fructose: The primary sugar in figs, contributing to their sweetness.
• Glucose: Another simple sugar that provides readily available energy.
• Sucrose: A disaccharide sugar that adds sweetness and may contribute to laxative effects.
• Fibers (pectin): A type of soluble fiber that promotes digestive health and regulates

  blood sugar levels.
• Traditional Medicinal Uses of Figs:

  • Laxative
  • Digestive aid
  • Skin conditions
  • Diabetes management
• Figs - have been used in traditional medicine for centuries for various ailments.
• Laxative: The fiber and fructose content in figs can stimulate bowel movements and aid digestion.
• Digestive aid: Figs can help soothe a sore throat and indigestion due to their mucilage content, a lubricating substance that forms a protective coating in the digestive tract.
• Skin conditions: The topical application of fig paste has been used traditionally to treat boils, wounds, and skin inflammation.
• Diabetes management: Research suggests that the fiber and antioxidant properties of figs may help regulate blood sugar levels and potentially benefit diabetes management.
• Fructose and glucose: These simple sugars provide a readily available source of energy.
• Fiber (pectin):

  • This soluble fiber promotes gut health by aiding digestion and regulating nutrient absorption.
  • It may also help regulate blood sugar levels, potentially beneficial for diabetes management.
• Sucrose: Its sweetness can be beneficial, and it may also contribute to the laxative effect of figs.
• Prunes - dried plums from the European plum tree (Prunus domestica), are not only a delicious treat but also a good source of various carbohydrates with potential health benefits.
• Prunus domestica - scientific name of prunes
• Main Types of Carbohydrates in prunes:

  • sorbitol
  • dietary fiber
  • fructose and glucose
• Dietary Fiber - Prunes are a good source of dietary fiber, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and insoluble dietary fiber. Fiber promotes gut health, regulates digestion, and may help manage blood sugar levels.
• Fructose and Glucose: Smaller amounts of fructose and glucose, simple sugars, are also present in prunes.
• Sorbitol: This sugar alcohol is the predominant carbohydrate in prunes, contributing significantly to their sweetness and laxative effect.
• Traditional and Evidence-Based Uses Of prunes:

  • laxative
  • digestive aid
  • bone health
• Laxative: Prunes have a long history of use as a natural laxative. Sorbitol acts by drawing water into the intestines, stimulating bowel movements and relieving constipation.
• Digestive Aid: The fiber content in prunes promotes gut health by aiding digestion and fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Bone Health: Some studies suggest that prunes may contribute to bone health, although the exact mechanisms are still being investigated.
• Sorbitol: This sugar alcohol is poorly absorbed by the small intestine, leading to a laxative effect by drawing water into the colon.
• Dietary Fiber: The fiber in prunes bulks up stool and promotes regularity. It also serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria that contribute to overall digestive health.
• Fructose and Glucose: While present in smaller quantities, these simple sugars provide readily available energy. However, it's important to consume prunes in moderation due to their concentrated sugar content.
• Sugarcane - also known as Saccharum officinarum.
• Sugarcane - is primarily known for its high content of sucrose, a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose.
• Carbohydrates content of sugarcane:

  • starch
  • cellulose
  • hemicellulose
• Starch: Found in smaller amounts, mainly in the pith and rind of the sugarcane stalk.
• Hemicellulose: Another cell wall polysaccharide present in sugarcane.
• Cellulose: A major component of the sugarcane cell wall, providing structural support.
• Traditional Uses Of Sugarcane:

  • Treatment of coughs and colds
  • wound healing
  • diuretic
  • energy source
• Treatment of coughs and colds: Sugarcane juice is believed to soothe sore throats and coughs due to its demulcent properties (coating and soothing irritated tissues).
• Diuretic: Sugarcane juice may have mild diuretic properties, increasing urine output.