The simplest form of carbohydrate is known as a monosaccharide. Monosaccharides are the most basic unit of carbohydrates and consist of a single sugar molecule. Examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.
These simple sugars are crucial because they serve as the building blocks for more complex carbohydrates, such as disaccharides (which are made of two monosaccharides) and polysaccharides (which are long chains of monosaccharides). In our body, monosaccharides are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and provide immediate energy. Understanding monosaccharides helps in grasping how carbohydrates function in our diet and overall health.