Carbohydrate

Any one of a group of compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen with the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen usually as in water; i.e. two H: one O. They are neutral compounds comprising the sugars, starches, celluloses, pentosans, galactans, etc. These sugars, starches and fibers are found in fruits, grains, vegetables and milk products.

Though often maligned in pop diets, carbohydrates, one of the basic food groups, are important to a healthy life.