Glucose

Glucose

Glucose is the most abundant simple sugar found in nature. Glucose is found in honey, other sweeteners, fruits, and other plant foods. Plants make their glucose for energy. 

Glucose is humans’ primary energy source as well. Most of our carbohydrates are digested into glucose for the body to use. The amount of glucose in our blood is referred to as blood glucose or blood sugar, which is vital to the proper functioning of our bodies. As glucose travels in the blood around the body, it enters cells and is used as fuel. Glucose is also part of all double sugars, starches, and fibres.

Glucose, the Blood Sugar, and the Mechanism of Glucose Regulation in our Bodies

Glucose is the main carbohydrate used for energy, and glucose circulates in the bloodstream. It is often called blood glucose. It is carried to all body cells. Each cell has its powerhouse, which uses blood glucose to fuel the cell.

When carbohydrates are absorbed, blood glucose levels rise. The hormone secreted by the pancreas, Insulin, helps glucose enter cells, where it is used for energy.

However, the body does not turn all blood glucose into energy at once. As blood glucose levels rise above average, Insulin signals the liver, muscles, and some other cells to store the extra; some get stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen, a carbohydrate storage form composed of many connected glucose molecules. Some glucose may be converted to body fat if more carbohydrate is consumed than the body use or burns. That's why it is suggested to keep your carbs intake under control to keep a check on body fat.

When blood glucose levels drop below normal, another hormone called glucagon triggers the conversion of glycogen to glucose. This is how blood glucose levels stay within a normal range between meals. Once glucose is in your bloodstream, it fuels body cells.

The human body also obtains energy from fat and protein. However, carbohydrate is the primary energy source. Fat becomes an energy source when the body does not have enough carbohydrates for energy. In addition, if your calorie intake is less than what your body needs and if the limited glycogen stores are used up, body proteins are broken down for energy. Getting enough carbs from food choices can spare or save protein for what only protein can do: build and repair body cells and tissues.

Glucose & Serotonin 

Glucose is the preferred energy source for muscles during strenuous exercise. When the body's glucose supply is depleted, it turns to fat for energy. The body also requires glucose to fuel multiple unconscious biological processes. 

Glucose is essential fuel for the brain, aiding in concentration. In addition, carbohydrates are critical for generating the brain's serotonin supply. Serotonin is a mood-regulating hormone made by our bodies from tryptophan; tryptophan is an amino acid obtained through protein in the diet. 

Carbohydrates help convert tryptophan into serotonin; eating carbs may help enhance mood. This suggests that carbs and sweet foods are often treated as comfort foods. In addition, serotonin is converted to melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate circadian rhythm.