Question

Though fats and oils have higher calorific values, carbohydrates are consumed in major proportions as the main sources of food. Justify.

Answer 1

Part 1: Definition of fats, oils, and carbohydrates:

• Fats are the triglycerides that are solid at room temperature.
• Oils are triglycerides that are liquid at room temperature.
• Carbohydrates are organic compounds that are made up of carbon $\left(\mathrm{C}\right)$, hydrogen $\left(\mathrm{H}\right)$ and oxygen $\left(\mathrm{O}\right)$.

Part 2: Carbohydrates are consumed in major proportions as the main sources of food:

• The amount of energy released in kilocalories by the combustion of one gram of the food is called calorific value.
• Our main source of food contains carbohydrates in major amounts though the calorific value of fats and oils are higher than carbohydrates.
• This is due to the reason that fats and oils are not metabolized and do not serve the purpose of the immediate requirement of energy.
• Carbohydrates get hydrolyzed to give glucose-producing energy for immediate requirements.