How are carbohydrates and metabolism related? The relationship between the two can help you understand the important role carbohydrates play in our dietary needs. Having a better understanding of the relationship between the two will help you make better decisions when dieting to lose weight and reduce body fat. This article will help you get the information you need.

Carbohydrates, whether simple or complex, will begin to break down almost immediately when food enters your mouth. As your mouth waters in anticipation of the food you are about to eat, the saliva in your mouth will begin to dissolve the simple carbohydrates. Amylase is an enzyme found in saliva and is necessary to break down complex carbohydrates. The amylase will begin to break down the starchy carbohydrates into glucose. This physiological activity immediately begins to activate your metabolism.

As your food reaches the small intestine, it encounters increased amounts of the enzyme amylase. Now the amylase will continue to break down the complex carbohydrates further. Simple carbohydrates (ie simple sugars) will enter the bloodstream. Remember that simple sugars are quickly absorbed by the body. Once in the bloodstream, the body will use them for immediate energy or store the simple carbohydrates as glycogen until needed. If the body has a surplus of energy, simple carbohydrates will be converted to fat and stored for later use.

Are you beginning to see how carbs and metabolism are related? When you fuel your body with carbohydrates, the digestive process increases your metabolism simply by activating your digestive process.

As mentioned, the body will store carbohydrates as glycogen when excess blood sugar is detected by the body in your system. This is caused by our insulin levels. So when your body’s blood sugar is high, insulin will be released to tell the body to store the extra sugar as glycogen. If your body does not produce enough insulin (as in diabetes), then your body will not be able to lower your blood sugar effectively. This is where medication comes into play.

Glucose is the body’s preferred macronutrient to use as a fuel source. Without glucose, your muscles and organs would not work properly. It is suggested that at least half of your daily calories come from carbohydrates. Your carbohydrate source should come from foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. You should avoid consuming foods such as cakes, cookies, candies and soft drinks. Yes, these foods contain carbohydrates, but they are simple sugars and don’t offer much nutritional value.