Why must you digest starch before can use it for energy?

Starch is a complex carbohydrate made up of long chains of glucose molecules. In order to use starch for energy, your body must first break it down into glucose. This process is called digestion.

Digestion of starch begins in the mouth, where salivary amylase breaks down starch into smaller molecules. The amylase in saliva is most active at a pH of 6.8, which is the pH of saliva. Once the starch has been broken down into smaller molecules, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the cells, where it can be used for energy.

If starch is not digested, it cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream and used for energy. This can lead to a number of health problems, including malnutrition and weight loss.

Here is a more detailed look at the process of starch digestion:

1. In the mouth, salivary amylase breaks down starch into smaller molecules called dextrins.

2. In the stomach, the dextrins are further broken down by stomach acid and pepsin, a protease that breaks down proteins.

3. In the small intestine, the dextrins are further broken down by pancreatic amylase, another enzyme that breaks down starch.

4. The glucose molecules resulting from the digestion of starch are absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine.

The glucose molecules are then transported to the cells, where they can be used for energy or stored for later use.