What happens to the food once enters blood?
Once food enters the bloodstream, it undergoes various processes to be utilized by the body for energy, growth, and repair. Here's what happens to the food after it enters the blood:
1. Absorption:
- During digestion, nutrients from the food are broken down into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the small intestine.
- The small intestine has tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area for absorption.
- Nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed through the villi and enter the bloodstream.
2. Transportation:
- Absorbed nutrients are transported by the bloodstream to different parts of the body.
- The circulatory system, which includes the heart and blood vessels, ensures that nutrients are delivered to all cells.
3. Metabolism:
- Once in the cells, nutrients undergo metabolic processes to produce energy and building blocks for various cellular functions.
- Metabolism includes catabolic processes (breaking down complex molecules to release energy) and anabolic processes (synthesizing new molecules).
- Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is the primary source of energy for most cells.
- Proteins are broken down into amino acids, which can be used to synthesize new proteins or converted into energy.
- Fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, which can be used for energy or stored as fat.
4. Utilization:
- The energy produced from nutrients is used for various cellular activities, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and chemical synthesis.
- Amino acids are used for protein synthesis, tissue repair, and the production of hormones and enzymes.
- Vitamins and minerals act as cofactors for enzymes, facilitating numerous chemical reactions in the body.
5. Storage:
- Excess nutrients that are not immediately used can be stored in the body for future use.
- Carbohydrates are stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles.
- Fats are stored in adipose tissue (body fat).
- Proteins can be stored in muscles and liver cells.
6. Excretion:
- Waste products and unabsorbed food residues are processed by the liver and kidneys and eventually excreted from the body through urine, feces, and sweat.
Overall, the process ensures that the nutrients from the food we eat are efficiently absorbed, transported, and utilized by the body, supporting various physiological functions and maintaining overall health.