Experiment #
Testing Carbohydrates Experiment
Introduction:
Carbohydrates are large groups of compounds that include sugars and starches. These
... [Show More] compounds are made naturally by plants. Carbohydrates are the major source of energy for the body. Most foods contain carbohydrates. There are two major types of carbohydrates—simple and complex. Both simple and complex carbohydrates are necessary for a healthy body. Simple carbohydrates are also called simple sugars. Simple sugars are found in fruits, milk, and foods with refined sugars, such as sugary snacks. Simple sugars from fruits and milk are healthier because these foods contain vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients. Refined sugars should be limited because they contribute calories with very few nutrients. Complex carbohydrates are also called starches. Starches include grain products such as bread, crackers, pasta, and rice. Some complex carbohydrates are healthier than others. Refined grains are grains that have been processed, removing nutrients and fiber from the grains. White flour and white rice are examples of refined grains. Most refined grains are “enriched,” which means certain vitamins and iron, but not the fiber, are put back in after processing. Unrefined grains, or whole grains, contain vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Fiber is very important for the digestive system and heart health.
You can use an iodine solution to detect the presence of complex carbohydrates. The yellow-orange iodine will turn blue-black as it reacts with starch. (The iodine solution will show no reaction with simple carbohydrates or sugars.)
b. Materials:
• Plate
• 6 food products (cornstarch, bread slice, cracker, rice, potato slice, white granulated sugar, apple slice (any fruits), milk, cooking oil/ butter),
• Iodine Solution
c. Procedure
1. Place a sample of each food on the plate.
2. Test similar amounts of each food.
3. Place a few drops of iodine solution on each food.
4. Make observations immediately.
5. Wait a few more minutes and note any other changes
Find out more answers through this file! [Show Less]