I mean, in general, sure. Glucose supplies energy, and if needed, stores it in a form of glycogen, but other than that?
Protein literally builds the body, because breaks down to amino acids. Lipids contain fatty acids, they break down some vitamins and provide energy in form of ketones.
In light of the fact that gluconeogenesis is a thing and if necessary, for the functioning of some organs, glucose can be supplied internally, why do we need to consume carbohydrates?
Fiber seems most useful to me, since It actively helps with digestion and the consistency of stool, if necessary. But not essential.
If I am making any wrong assumptions, please correct me.
Thank you.
PS: This is not a “keto-diet” post, just wondering in general.
I would strongly recommend reading Fiber Fueled, by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz. The connections researchers are finding between the microbiome and overall health are pretty amazing. Fiber is far more important than just in keeping you ‘regular’. It promotes a healthy immune function, e.g., and the connection between brain and microbiome help to regulate hunger/satiety, and promote overall health. One thing I’ve taken away from that book (still in the middle of reading it myself) is that my understanding of the number of types of fiber was inadequate. I grouped fiber into 2 groups: soluble and insoluble. And I figured all soluble fiber was the same, and all insoluble was the same. Not even close. There are thousands of different types of fiber, and what you consume affects which bacteria exist in your gut.
There is some thinking that our inadequate fiber intake has led to increases in immune disorders. It’s not just that we’re getting better at testing for them, but rates of these disorders has been increasing. The percentage of the population that has celiac disease, e.g., has increased by an order of magnitude in the last 60 - 70 years (yes, celiac disease was unknown back during WWII, but since blood samples of WWII recruits was stored, testing was done on that population and compared to the general population today). Yes, you need the gene in your system, but that gene needs to be expressed for celiac disease to become a problem. And per Dr. B, it’s dysbiosis that does the triggering. The belief being that lack of fiber is causing that dysbiosis. I think fiber is critical to good overall health, and we don’t get anywhere near enough. The US government recommends on the order of 30 grams per day (give or take, depending on your gender) but the general population barely gets half that. And I would argue that the US RDA is really too low. Other governments have recommendations on the order of 45 grams per day. Just my 2 cents.
The fibre is absolutely without a doubt essential for a healthy gut microbiome and is a type of carbohydrate. A low carbohydrate diet is notoriously low in fibre but it can be done with ensuring some high fibre low carb foods like chia, flax, avocado, cruciferous veg. Carb rich foods also usually contain b-vitamins, unique antioxidants (like with fruit). The carbs themselves though are mainly a fuel source, but can also be a carbon source for building other molecules
This is a great scientific article on your question:
https://pressbooks.oer.hawaii.edu/humannutrition/chapter/the-functions-of-carbohydrates-in-the-body/
You can go low carb but not no carb.
Glucose is your brains preferred source of energy it is dependent on some carb intake despite being able to use ketones
I see you specifically bring up fructose but no matter the type of monosaccharide or polysaccharide they are broken down or converted into glucose.
Outside of energy carbohydrate sources are some our biggest suppliers of necessary nutrients and fiber (which isn’t just useful it is essential to good health and protects you against multiple diseases)
Because carbohydrates are in fruits vegetables beans etc… No carb diets eliminate too many healthy food groups I’ve never never seen it recommended.
(Source: pulling from my University degree in nutritional sciences but if you want to see a study on the benefits of fibre happy to provide)
Our early ancestors had an advantage eating carbs and stored the oversupply in body fat. It made us survive times with less other types of food available.
Nowadays with the constant supply of food mostly, except for the taste and the haptics, not really necessary anymore.
Edit: grammar
Glycogen is stored in adipose and muscle tissue as a fast source of energy. You do require some carbs for brain function but your body can convert protein into carbs… This process is called gluconeogenesis and some health conditions make you required to minimize it.
Glycogen as a fast source of energy is more efficient for sport performance, although irrelevant for losing bodyfat.