Metabolism and digestion of carbohydrates

Posted on May 28, 2014 by john in Health Food

When we eat normally, then incorporate simple and complex carbohydrates, proteins and lipids in addition to vitamins and minerals contained in them.

Digestion of complex carbohydrates begins in the mouth through the saliva, which breaks down starches.

Transformation

Then in the stomach by the action of hydrochloric acid, digestion continues and ends in the small intestine. There an enzyme called pancreatic juice amylase acts and transforms the starch into maltose ( two glucose molecules ). Maltose, on the intestinal wall, it becomes transformed into glucose.

Chocolate cake, fast digesting simple carbohydrates

These same intestinal enzymes are responsible for transforming to all carbohydrates, such as lactose, sucrose, etc. Then all will be converted into monosaccharides : glucose, fructose and galactose.

Whether in the form of monosaccharides is how our body absorbs them, going to the liver where it will later be converted into glucose.

In case missing carbohydrates in food, this energy is derived from fats and proteins, producing ketones, which are not beneficial to good health.

Glucose and calories

Glucose enters the bloodstream, and is oxidized in cells giving us 4 kilo calories per gram. Glucose is oxidized ( burned) within the cells is transformed into glycogen, which is stored in liver and muscles.

The remainder of the glucose is converted into fat accumulating generating an increase of body weight.

Always keeps a very sedentary life, and more glucose than is spent burning or ingested, it is deposited as fat, either between the vital organs, or under the skin.

What carbohydrates are digested faster?

As explained, carbohydrates differ between simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates ( sugar, sweets, etc…) are rapidly absorbed and cause a sharp rise in the amount of glucose in blood. For this reason is that sweet foods are restricted or eliminated in the diet of people with diabetes.

Instead they can consume complex carbohydrates ( cereals, potatoes, beans and pasta ) as they are absorbed slowly, and do not generate these sudden swings in blood sugar levels. That diabetes can be better controlled.

You should always include carbohydrates in the diet to get energy cells.

In case missing carbohydrates in food, this energy is derived from fats and proteins, producing ketones, which are not beneficial to good health.