Carbohydrates are a crucial part of our diet as they provide the energy our bodies need to function well. But how do our bodies convert these complex molecules into usable fuel? Carbohydrate digestion happens starting from the moment we take a bite to the absorption of nutrients in our intestines.
The digestion of carbohydrates begins in the mouth. The enzyme salivary 伪-amylase begins breaking down starch into simpler sugars. Once the food reaches the stomach, the acidic environment stops the action of salivary 伪-amylase, temporarily pausing carbohydrate digestion.
Carbohydrate digestion picks up again in the small intestine where pancreatic and intestinal juices continue breaking down complex carbohydrates. Enzymes in the small intestine鈥檚 epithelial cells then handle these breakdown products. Sucrase breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose, while lactase handles lactose by breaking it into glucose and galactose. A lack of lactase can lead to lactose intolerance.
When carbohydrates are broken down into monosaccharides, they are ready for absorption. This happens through facilitated diffusion and active transport. It鈥檚 important to note that not all carbohydrates are digestible. Some vegetables contain indigestible oligosaccharides, and raw starch can be tough to digest. Dietary fiber, like cellulose, is another carbohydrate that humans can鈥檛 digest.
While we can鈥檛 digest certain carbohydrates, the bacteria in our large intestine can. These bacteria ferment dietary fiber, producing fatty acids that improve colon health and overall well-being. Understanding carbohydrate digestion can help us appreciate how our bodies extract and use energy from the food we eat. Knowing this process can lead to better dietary choices and improved health.
