A carbohydrate is one of the three main nutrients found in food, alongside protein and fat.
Carbohydrates are made up of sugar molecules. When you eat them, your digestive system breaks many of them down into glucose (sugar), which your body can use for energy.
There are three main types of carbohydrate:
What happens when you eat carbohydrates?
- Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose.
- Glucose enters your bloodstream.
- Your blood sugar rises.
- Your body releases insulin to help move glucose into cells.
- Excess energy can be stored for later use.
Common processed foods containing carbohydrates
Interesting fact: Your body does not actually need to eat carbohydrates to survive. It can make the glucose it needs through a process called gluconeogenesis.
Your body does, however, need essential fatty acids and essential amino acids from your diet.
What Is Gluconeogenesis?
Gluconeogenesis is the process by which your body makes its own glucose (blood sugar) from sources other than carbohydrates.
Your body can make glucose from three main sources:
- Protein: Certain amino acids from the protein you eat, such as beef, eggs and fish.
- Glycerol: Released when your body breaks down stored body fat.
- Lactate: Produced by muscles and other tissues during normal metabolism.
Where does it happen?
Your body has its own ability to manufacture glucose. This is why humans can survive without eating carbohydrates.
It’s made primarily in your liver, although your kidneys also contribute, particularly during prolonged fasting.
Summary of Carbohydrates / Sugar:
Your body regulates this process according to its needs.
You don’t need to eat sugar to maintain the minimal glucose your body requires.
