The human body contains a large amount of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Which of the three would the body break apart for energy first, and why?
The human body contains a large amount of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Which of the three would the body break apart for energy first, and why?
Our digestive systems break down all foods into constituent parts when we eat; proteins provide amino acids, while fats (lipids) provide fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.
Carbohydrates provide the majority of the glucose our bodies require for energy. If enough carbohydrates are consumed, the body will not "bother" breaking down fats and proteins into glucose; this is a "costly" process, while carbs are simple and "cheap" to convert to glucose metabolically.
Although lipids/fat contains more energy than carbohydrates/glucose, fat can only supply energy when oxygen is present (anaerobic pathway), but carbohydrates/glucose can offer energy both with and without oxygen (aerobic and anaerobic pathways).
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