How the Body Uses Carbohydrates

 

Carbs are broken down into simple sugars, and in turn absorb through the bloodstream.  As your sugar levels increase your pancreas releases a hormone (insulin), which transports glucose into your cells supplying them with their source of energy. When this process happens too quickly your energy is used up faster and you become hungry sooner.  However, when the process is slower as with; complexed carbs your energy levels are sustained longer.  Which mean you are satisfied longer, thus you eat less.

Carbohydrates produce six different functions in the body:

Provide energy and regulation of blood sugar

1. Sparing the use of proteins for energy
2. Breakdown of fatty acids and preventing ketosis
3. Biological recognition processes
4. Flavor and Sweeteners
5. Dietary fiber

There appears to be a direct link between what is going on with the blood sugar and diabetes and heart disease.  This makes it very important for you to select your carbs wisely to maintain healthy levels of insulin in your blood to avoid these diseases.

NancyT

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