Glucose, of formula C6H12O6, It is one of carbohydrates simpler (monosaccharide). It is from these monosaccharides, glucose, fructose and galactose that all other carbohydrates are formed. Because glucose is our body's main source of energy, all carbohydrates are broken down through enzymes specific, in smaller molecules. Glucose is also one of the main products of photosynthesis that occurs in vegetables.
Starch, being a glucose polymer, when it undergoes the action of the amylase enzyme, it breaks down into several glucose molecules. This means that when we eat starchy foods, we are consequently ingesting glucose.
When we ingest a high amount of glucose, our body uses what it needs and the excess is sent to the liver, which transforms glucose into glycogen and it is stored in our liver, increasing the concentration of glycogen. When the glycogen level gets high, the liver begins to break down excess glycogen, sending it into the bloodstream, increasing the concentration of glucose in the blood.
As the blood glucose concentration is high, automatically the pancreas begins to produce the hormone insulin to send this glucose into muscle cells to be transformed into glycogen. If the blood glucose concentration remains in excess, the body begins to convert the glucose into triglycerides, which will be stored in the form of fat. The fact that a person always consumes foods high in glucose can make them obese.
By cutting down on foods rich in glucose, we also lower the blood glucose concentration and also the triglyceride level.
Diabetic people should choose foods that have a lower glucose index to have better control of blood glucose concentration. Most foods that have low glucose levels have higher fiber content and low fat, which is beneficial for those with problems cardiovascular.
Anyone interested in losing weight should opt for foods with less glucose, such as vegetables, greens, whole foods and high fiber carbohydrates.
Paula Louredo
Graduated in Biology