Our body uses the sugar contained in carbohydrates differently. The simple sugar, glucose, is our primary fuel. It is the sugar that circulates in the blood, and eating glucose raises your blood sugar the fastest.
However, another simple sugar, fructose, doesn't spike blood sugar at all but is broken down by the liver into glucose and stored as glycogen for future use. When the sugar storehouse is full, the extra sugar is saved in the form of fat.
Complex carbohydrates contain multiple simple sugar molecules linked together. Starch, the complex sugar found in plants, is readily broken down directly into glucose and is a great energy source. Fiber, the structural sugar that makes up plant stems and leaves, is non-digestible. Although it adds no energy to the fire, it slows absorption of starch and prevents a spike in blood sugar while taking up space in your stomach and leaving you with a full feeling. Fiber is, therefore, great for portion control because you feel full without getting stuffed with absorbable sugar.
Our body uses the sugar contained in carbohydrates differently. The
simple sugar, glucose, is our primary fuel. It is the sugar that
circulates in the blood, and eating glucose raises your blood sugar
the fastest. However, another simple...
More
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:A hormone called insulin acts like a key in a lock to permit sugar from digested food to enter cells for fuel or storage for future needs. Watch the animation to learn more about sugar and energy.
A hormone called insulin acts like a key in a lock to permit sugar from digested food to enter cells for fuel or storage for future needs. Watch the animation to learn more about sugar and energy. More
Dr. Vonda Wright answered:Our body uses the sugar contained in carbohydrates differently. The simple sugar, glucose, is our primary fuel. It is the sugar that circulates in the blood, and eating glucose raises your blood sugar the fastest.
Find out more about this book: Dr. Vonda Wright's Guide to Thrive: Four Steps to Body, Brains, and Bliss
