Carbohydrates are also known as what?

Carbohydrates are commonly referred to as sugars because they encompass a range of simple and complex molecules characterized by their ability to provide energy. Simple carbohydrates, often called simple sugars, include monosaccharides like glucose and fructose. These are the most basic units of carbohydrates and are easily digested and absorbed by the body.

The term "sugars" also includes disaccharides, such as sucrose and lactose, which consist of two monosaccharide units. This foundational classification of carbohydrates emphasizes their role in energy production and energy storage in living organisms. While other terms like starches, fibers, and polymers do relate to different forms or types of carbohydrates, they do not encompass the entire carbohydrate category. For instance, starches are complex carbohydrates made from long chains of glucose molecules, and fibers are non-digestible carbohydrates that also play a crucial role in health. Thus, the term "sugar" acts as a more encompassing label for carbohydrates overall, especially in simpler contexts.