Body energy

We need energy every moment of our lives for performing various type of activities such as sitting, standing, walking and running. And several activities take place within the body as well like, beating of the heart, construction of the intestine, expansion and contraction of lungs. Activities performed with the body also require expenditure of energy. The energy giving function of food is basically performed by three nutrient categories: carbohydrates, fats and proteins. This is why these nutrients are also referred to as the body fuels. Our body digest the food we eat by mixing it with fluids (acids and enzymes) in the stomach. When the stomach digests food, the carbohydrate (sugars and starches) in the food breaks down into another type of sugar, called glucose. Foods contain a lot of stored chemical energy. When you eat, your body breaks down these foods into smaller components and absorbs them to use as fuel. Energy comes from the three main nutrients carbohydrates, fats and proteins. In case where carbohydrates have been depleted, the body can utilise fats and proteins for energy.