The body digest carbohydrates, protein, and fat through a series of processes that involve various digestive enzymes and hormones. Here is a general overview of the steps involved in the digestion of each nutrient:
Carbohydrates: The digestive process for carbohydrates begins in the mouth with the action of the enzyme amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates into smaller sugar molecules such as glucose. The sugar molecules are then absorbed into the bloodstream and used for energy.
Protein: Protein digestion begins in the mouth with the action of the enzyme pepsin, which breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. The peptides are then further broken down into individual amino acids by digestive enzymes in the small intestine. The individual amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream and used for various functions throughout the body.
Fat: Fat digestion begins in the small intestine with the action of the enzyme lipase, which breaks down fat into smaller fatty acid molecules. The fatty acids are then packaged into tiny droplets called lipoproteins and transported to cells throughout the body for use as a source of energy or for other functions.
By the end of the body digestive process, the body has broken down carbohydrates into simple sugars, protein into individual amino acids, and fat into fatty acids, which can be used for energy or other functions throughout the body.
