Abstract

Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that serve as a primary energy source and fulfill diverse physiological roles in human nutrition. This review explores the dietary role and health effects of carbohydrates, encompassing their sources, metabolism, and implications for metabolic health. Carbohydrates are found abundantly in various food sources, including grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, providing the body with glucose a crucial fuel for cellular energy production. The metabolism of carbohydrates involves digestion, absorption, and utilization through glycolysis, glycogenesis, and lipogenesis pathways. Beyond energy provision, carbohydrates influence metabolic processes such as blood glucose regulation and lipid metabolism. Dietary fiber, a non-digestible carbohydrate, promotes digestive health, regulates satiety, and mitigates the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and Type-2 diabetes mellitus. However, the quality and quantity of carbohydrate intake impact metabolic health. High consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as sugars and processed grains, has been linked to metabolic disturbances, including insulin resistance and obesity. In contrast, diets rich in complex carbohydrates from whole foods contribute to improved metabolic outcomes and overall health. This review synthesizes current evidence on the dietary role and health effects of carbohydrates, emphasizing the importance of balanced carbohydrate consumption for optimizing metabolic health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.