Why Do We Get Instant Energy From Glucose?

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Glucose, one of the most known sugar sources, is well known for providing instant energy. After working out or a tiring day, drinking glucose can make you feel refreshed and energized. But why do we get instant energy from glucose? How does glucose do it?

If these questions often pop up in your mind, we got answers for you today! In this article, we will be learning how glucose can provide instant energy. To understand it in brief, we will first start by learning about glucose in depth.

 

What is Glucose? 

What is Glucose?

 

Everybody knows that glucose means sugar. However, to understand the exact mechanism of how glucose provides instant energy, we will be taking a deeper look into the science of glucose.

 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates

 

Our body creates energy from carbohydrates. There are 3 main types of carbohydrates which include:

  • Simple Sugar
  • Complex Sugar
  • Fibers

Simple Sugars

Simple Sugars

 

As the name suggests, simple sugars are the primary form of sugars of carbohydrates present. Simple sugars are classified into monosaccharides and disaccharides, depending on the number of sugar molecules.

Monosaccharides contain one sugar molecule, whereas Disaccharides contain two sugar molecules. Glucose is a monosaccharide. The most well-known disaccharide is lactose, which is present in milk.

Complex Sugars

Complex Sugars

 

Complex Sugars are also known as Polysaccharides. As the name suggests, complex sugars are complex, containing many sugar molecules that are connected by a long chain.

Our body absorbs energy only from monosaccharides or glucose. When we eat any kind of disaccharide or polysaccharide, it is broken down into monosaccharides by our body to absorb energy.

 

Fibers

Fibers

 

Fibers are carbohydrates that remain undigested. Our body does not break down fibers, and hence, they are not utilized to produce energy. However, fibers play an essential role in regulating how our body uses sugar, thus keeping our hunger and blood glucose level in check. 

Glucose is essential in our body to produce energy. It is our body’s preferred source of energy, along with fats. Hence, glucose is essential and good for health; however, when taken in high amounts can prove to be risky.

Author’s note: If glucose levels in our body are unregulated, it may lead to severe disease conditions. According to Mayoclinic, unregulated glucose levels can lead to neuropathy, heart diseases, blindness, skin infection, problems in the joints and feet, severe dehydration, and coma. 

 

Why Do We Get Instant Energy From Glucose?

As we previously learned, glucose is a type of monosaccharide or simple sugar. Hence, our body does not need to break down glucose to form energy.

Once we ingest glucose, our body starts the work to digest and process it. Enzymes from our pancreas, a digestive system organ, start working to prepare glucose for absorption. Once it is ready, glucose is transported to all the body cells, where it is ready to produce energy.

Glucose is taken up by the cells. Every glucose molecule contains chemical bonds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Energy is produced when these chemical bonds are broken down. Thus, these chemical bonds are the actual energy stores.

The process of breaking down these chemical bonds is done by oxidative processes, or the use of oxygen, and is known as cellular respiration. The oxidation of glucose molecules causes the formation of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) molecules. ATP or Adenosine Triphosphate is the energy molecule of our body.

Thus, since glucose is readily converted to the energy molecule or ATP without any breakdown procedures, it is the most instant energy source. 

Author’s note: Insulin is the main enzyme regulating glucose absorption into the cells. Dysregulation or underproduction of insulin causes diabetes. 

 

Top Glucose Sources For Instant Energy 

 

Honey

Honey

 

Honey is a natural food source that is produced by honeybees. Honey is pure sugar that contains minimal amounts of proteins and no fats. It comes in various types depending on the flowers it is formed from and provides instant energy. Every 100 g of Honey provides 35.8 g of glucose. 

Author’s note: Honey is beneficial not just as a source of energy but also as an antioxidant. It repairs the oxidative damage in cells caused by free radicals, thus protecting our body from various diseases. 

 

Grapes

Grapes

 

Grapes are one of the most loved fruits among people. Grapes are quick sources of glucose that also contain various nutrients, particularly Vitamin K and copper. Nonetheless, grapes are potent antioxidants. Every 100 g of grapes provides 7.2 g of glucose.

 

Sweet Corn

Sweet Corn

 

Sweet corn is one of the most loved food items. It is also known as sugar corn or pole corn. Sweet corn has various health benefits. They have high fiber content and are an excellent source of antioxidants. Every 100 g of Sweet Corn provides 3.4 g of glucose.

 

Jackfruit

Jackfruit

 

Jackfruit is an exotic fruit that is loved by many. It is a large fruit packed with nutrients. It contains high amounts of protein while also providing fibers, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to the body. Every 100 g of Jackfruit provides 11.7 g of glucose. 

 

Tomato Puree

Tomato Puree

 

Tomatoes can be squeezed and ground to form tomato puree. The water content in tomato puree is less than a tomato. Hence, carbohydrates or glucose become more concentrated, making tomato purees a great source of glucose. Every 100g of Tomato Puree provides 4.7 g of glucose.

 

Conclusion

Glucose is a simple sugar. It does not need to be broken down and is absorbed quickly by the cells to produce energy. Hence, glucose provides energy to our body instantly. Glucose is popular among gym trainers and fitness freaks because of its instant energy property.

Nonetheless, if you have a hectic day ahead but don’t have the energy for it, glucose can help you!

Drop-in a comment below and tell us your preferred source of glucose.

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