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Sucrose Metabolism - What It Is

May 3rd, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Sucrose is a natural product found in most fruits and vegetables. Sugar cane and sugar beet contain very high concentrations of sucrose. Another name for table sugar is also sucrose. Some studies show that sucrose makes up as much as 20% of our daily food intake. Because sucrose is considered to be a high complex carbohydrate sucrose metabolism is needed to combat the danger to our bodies.

Sucrose has been known to cause renal failure in both humans and rats. Renal cells are unable to metabolize sucrose in its original form which results in severe water retention. Sucrose must be hydrolyzed into glucose and fructose before it can be absorbed by the small intestines.

Sugars provide the body with energy but sucrose metabolism must take place before the energy is released. Diets high in sucrose will often lead to diabetes because of the inability of the body to metabolize large amounts of sugar. The body produces insulin which is used for sucrose metabolism, breaking the sugar down into components which can be used for energy. With continued intake of large amounts of sugar the body loses the ability to produce enough insulin to handle it. Over time this can result in severe pancreas and liver damage.

Negative Effects On The Body Of Sucrose

Sucrose is high in empty calories which lacks essential vitamins and minerals. The body is accustomed to metabolizing about 300 grams of glucose a day which the body uses for energy. Increased consumption of sucrose can lead to a number of negative health problems. Without sucrose metabolism, acid levels are produced in the mouth which can lead to tooth decay. When stress is placed on the adrenal glands it can cause a rise in adrenalin levels. Increased adrenalin can cause hyperactivity, headaches, and mood swings. Excess sugar turns into saturated fats which in turn causes high triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. It also contributes to increased cholesterol production which can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Without sucrose metabolism, the body will store the sugars in the form of fluid and fat, resulting in weight gain and obesity. Obesity is considered to be one of the top health related concerns today. Severe obesity can result in years being lost from your life by promoting premature aging and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Increased sucrose intake has also been linked to acme and reduced immune system function. Refined sugars can also deplete many essential vitamins and nutrients the body needs to stay healthy.

Protein Metabolism: The Importance Of Protein

April 17th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Protein is essential. Bodybuilders depend upon a high protein intake to maintain muscle mass and to build bulk. Pregnant mothers require higher protein intakes for the proper physical development of the fetus and nursing mothers are instructed to watch their protein intake carefully to ensure good nutrition for themselves and their baby. Proteins are found mostly in animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy products but are found in smaller quantities in nuts and some vegetables.

The Protein Metabolism Process

Protein is metabolized through a complex biological process which breaks down the protein into building blocks that can be utilized by the body. Protein metabolism provides energy for your body to carry on normal processes like repairing damage, new cell growth and functions like breathing and circulation.

The Differences In Protein And Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrates consist mainly of simple sugars. Proteins are comprised of mostly amino acids which must be converted to glycogen or sugar before the body can utilize it. Your body will burn through carbohydrates quickly where protein metabolism takes longer. This principle is important to understand for people with diabetes or hypoglycemia.

Diabetics are instructed to follow strict dietary guidelines that balance protein portions with carbohydrate portions to help maintain stable blood sugar levels in the body throughout the day and night. This guideline is also helpful for non-diabetics as a stable blood sugar level is healthier for internal organs.

How To Utilize Protein To Obtain Better Health

Increasing the intake of protein rich foods can improve over-all nutritional status. Choosing low fat items like dairy products made form skim milk can help achieve weight loss and curb weight gain. Eating fish, turkey and chicken as opposed to beef and pork can be beneficial to persons with health problems related to cholesterol and obesity.

While each individual metabolizes food at a different rate, choosing healthy foods, eating more frequent, smaller meals and getting regular exercise can help to boost the time it takes to utilize food as energy. Increasing muscle mass through weight lifting of static exercises can also increase a person’s metabolism.

Protein metabolism is a complex function that our bodies perform without our conscious efforts. Making changes to factors that we are conscious of can assist our bodies to optimize healthy performance. Understanding those changeable factors as well as understanding how metabolism works is necessary to achieve good health.

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Credits: 30 Day Slimmer | Matteo Turchetto | Andreas Viklund