Physiological function of sugar

The main physiological function of sugar is to provide energy, but also provide carbon source, participate in the formation of body tissues, and form glycoproteins with special physiological functions.

Carbohydrates, also known as carbohydrates, are the main source of heat energy for the human body. After digestion in human body, it is mainly absorbed and utilized in the form of glucose. Glucose is rapidly oxidized and provides energy. Each gram of carbohydrates in the human body can emit 4000 calories of heat energy. Starch food is the main food in China. 60-70% of the total heat energy in human body comes from the sugar in food, which is mainly supplied by rice, flour, corn, millet and other food containing starch. These carbohydrates are components of the body and play an important role in a variety of life processes. For example, glycolipid formed by carbohydrate and lipid is the component of cell membrane and nerve tissue, mucopolysaccharide and mucin synthesized by protein are the basis of connective tissue, and glycoprotein formed by the combination of carbohydrate and protein can form antibody, some enzymes, hormones and other substances with important biological activity. The brain and red blood cells of the human body must rely on blood sugar to supply energy, so sugar is also needed to maintain the normal function of the nervous system and red blood cells. Sugar is also closely related to fat and protein metabolism. Sugar can save protein. When the protein enters the body, the concentration of free amino acid in the tissue increases. The synthesis of the amino acid into the body protein is a process of energy consumption. For example, taking in sugar to supplement energy at the same time can save part of the amino acid, which is beneficial to protein synthesis. Food fiber is a kind of carbohydrate that can't be digested by human digestive enzymes. Although it can't be absorbed, it can absorb water, make feces soft and increase in volume, thus promoting intestinal peristalsis and defecation.

Energy supply is not only the main function of sugar, but also the main component of nerves and cells. On average, adults need 6 grams of sugar per kilogram of body weight per day. Although fat produces twice as much calories per unit as sugar, the diet contains more sugar than fat. Sugar is a nutrient that produces heat. It keeps the body warm. It is often said that "when you are full, you will be warm" is the reason.

Sugar is involved in many life processes in the body. For example, glycoprotein is an important component of cell membrane; mucin is an important component of connective tissue; glycolipid is an important component of nerve tissue.

When the liver glycogen reserve is rich, the human body's resistance to some bacterial toxins will increase accordingly. Therefore, keeping the liver rich in glycogen can protect the liver and improve the normal detoxification function of the liver.

Sugar is widely distributed in nature, and its source is easy. Using sugar to supply heat energy can save protein, which is mainly used for tissue construction and regeneration.

Fat is completely oxidized in the human body and needs to be supplied with energy by sugar. When sugar in the human body is insufficient or the body can't use sugar (such as diabetic patients), most of the energy needed should be supplied by fat. Fat oxidation is not complete, will produce a certain number of ketone body, it is excessive accumulation of blood acidity high alkalinity low, will cause ketone coma. So sugar has an anti ketone effect.

Cellulose in sugar, which is not digested and absorbed by the body, can promote intestinal peristalsis, prevent constipation, provide energy for intestinal microorganisms, and synthesize vitamin B.

Sugar is not only food, but also can be used as seasoning to adjust food flavor and increase appetite.

In the process of food preparation, sugar can increase the sweetness, flavor and interest, and it is also a source of heat energy that is easy to digest, so people especially like sweet food. But sugar and sweets should not be eaten too much. Eating too much is not beneficial, but harmful.

1. Lack of sugar and nutrition. If you eat more sugar or sweets every day, then eat less other nutritious food. Especially for children, if they eat too much sugar or sweets, they will reduce the amount of meals, so protein, minerals, vitamins, etc. will not be supplemented in time, resulting in insufficient nutrition.

2. Sugar and caries. Eating sugar often provides good conditions for the growth and reproduction of bacteria in the oral cavity. It is easy to be affected by lactic acid bacteria and produce acid, which makes the teeth decalcified and prone to caries.

3. Sugar and obesity. If you eat too much sugar, the rest will turn into fat, which can lead to obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidemia.

4. Sugar and fracture. Too much sugar reduces the content of vitamin B1 in the body. Because vitamin B1 is a necessary substance when sugar is converted into energy in the body, vitamin B1 is insufficient, which greatly reduces the activity ability of nerves and muscles. Therefore, accidental falls are prone to fracture.

5. Sugar and cancer. Experimental studies have confirmed that cancer is closely related to calcium deficiency, and the sugar that can cause calcium deficiency is considered to be one of the inducing factors of some cancers.

6. Sugar and life span. People who eat high sugar food for a long time can cause malnutrition, liver and kidney swelling, fat content is also increased, and their average life expectancy will be shortened.