When we look at the different types of nutrients that our bodies need to perform even the simplest of task, we must first understand how the body breaks down the digestion and absorption process. What is digestion? Digestion can be defined as both the chemical and mechanical break down of sustenance into smaller organic portions. Macromolecules must be broken down into much smaller fragments that become a more suitable size for absorption throughout the digestive system (Sadava, D et al., 2008). Larger more complex molecules such as proteins and lipids must be concentrated to simpler particles before they can be absorbed by digestive epithelial cells. Many organs play contribute to the digestive process in breaking down food. Both hallow (Mouth,
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Department of Agriculture on ought to consume anywhere between 40 to 60 percent of caloric intake in the form of carbohydrates (U.S Department, 2010). Once consumed, carbohydrates are then converted into glucose and carried through the individual’s bloodstream, tissues, and organs for energy. As an athlete wishing to enhance their performance it is important that the individual provide their body with the proper fuel to perform a given task. For example, glucose is stored as glycogen in the individual’s muscles and liver for later use. However, simple sugars such as fructose, sucrose, and glucose can be thought as a poor form of carbohydrates for fueling your body during exercise.
One wishing to improve health and eating habits should limit their intake of simple sugars such as the ones mentioned above. Carbohydrates that are presented in the form of simple sugars are found in fruit, vegetable, and dairy products. Starches on the other hand are made up of more than one unit of sugar more commonly found in beans, whole grains, or vegetables. And lastly, we have dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is present in legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These are found in plants that pass through our intestines …show more content…
Salivary enzyme amylase initiates the breakdown of starches into maltose (Sadava, D et al., 2008). As food travels through the esophagus down to the stomach, no significant digestion of carbohydrates takes place. The acidic environment in our stomach impedes the action of the amylase enzyme. The next step of carbohydrate digestion takes place in the duodenum. Chyme (pulpy acidic fluid) from the stomach enters the duodenum which then mixes with digestive secretions from the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder (Sadava, D et al., 2008). Carbohydrates can be seen as a key energy source during exercise to fuel exercising muscle tissue and other body systems. Athletes can increase their stores of glycogen by regularly eating high carbohydrate
Department of Agriculture on ought to consume anywhere between 40 to 60 percent of caloric intake in the form of carbohydrates (U.S Department, 2010). Once consumed, carbohydrates are then converted into glucose and carried through the individual’s bloodstream, tissues, and organs for energy. As an athlete wishing to enhance their performance it is important that the individual provide their body with the proper fuel to perform a given task. For example, glucose is stored as glycogen in the individual’s muscles and liver for later use. However, simple sugars such as fructose, sucrose, and glucose can be thought as a poor form of carbohydrates for fueling your body during exercise.
One wishing to improve health and eating habits should limit their intake of simple sugars such as the ones mentioned above. Carbohydrates that are presented in the form of simple sugars are found in fruit, vegetable, and dairy products. Starches on the other hand are made up of more than one unit of sugar more commonly found in beans, whole grains, or vegetables. And lastly, we have dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is present in legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These are found in plants that pass through our intestines …show more content…
Salivary enzyme amylase initiates the breakdown of starches into maltose (Sadava, D et al., 2008). As food travels through the esophagus down to the stomach, no significant digestion of carbohydrates takes place. The acidic environment in our stomach impedes the action of the amylase enzyme. The next step of carbohydrate digestion takes place in the duodenum. Chyme (pulpy acidic fluid) from the stomach enters the duodenum which then mixes with digestive secretions from the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder (Sadava, D et al., 2008). Carbohydrates can be seen as a key energy source during exercise to fuel exercising muscle tissue and other body systems. Athletes can increase their stores of glycogen by regularly eating high carbohydrate