Question

Part 1

Next, consider how sugars are stored. Is there any difference between the way added sugars are stored and the way we store natural sugars? Once glucose is stored, what is it called? Name the two primary (first) sites of energy storage in the body. If these two primary sites are full, what happens to the excess energy we've consumed?

Is there a recommendation for what percentage of your carbohydrate intake should be from complex rather than simple carbohydrates? How is this percentage represented in the "My Plate" graphic? Give the reason for this recommendation - in other words, why are complex carbohydrates healthier than simple sugars?

What role do complex carbs play in preventing obesity? How do they contribute to weight management?

What prompts the release of energy from storage? How does this fit into our risk for developing diabetes Type 2?

Part 2

Are there any "nonessential" vitamins? Or must they all be obtained from our food intake? If there are "non-essential" vitamins, name them, and discuss how they are formed in the body.

Which vitamins plays a role in our immunity to disease and infection? What vitamins are "antioxidants", and what does that term mean? In your answer, differentiate between antioxidants, carotenoids, and phytochemicals.

What vitamins are functional in protecting bone health? With what minerals do these vitamins interact to ensure bone health? What vitamins are specific to healthy blood?

How does alcohol affect vitamin absorption? In your answer, be sure you specifically discuss all vitamins that are significantly affected by alcohol, and differentiate between the affect on vitamin absorption produced by moderate drinking as opposed to heavy drinking (you'll need to define those terms as well.)

Answer 1

PART1 :

Once the glucose is stored in the body it is called GLYCOGEN.

Two primary sites of energy storage in body are: liver and muscles. Once the glycogen stores are full in liver and muscles then the excess carbohydrates are stored as fat. Adipose cells store excess calories as fats in the form of triglycerides and this leads to weight gain.

Complex carbohydrates are healthier options than simple carbohydrates as simple carbohydrates are simply sugars that raise your blood glucose levels and provide no known benefits except providing energy that too instant and for short period. Whereas complex carbohydrates contain fibers and starches which are made of long chains of sugar molecules and take longer to breakdown and digest, leading to delayed gastric emptying and providing energy for longer period. Moreover, complex carbohydrates aid in weight loss and improves your bowel movement.

Complex carbohydrates contain large amounts of fiber which help in weight loss and preventing obesity. Fibers in complex carbohydrates aids in early signals of satiation and leads to prolonged satiety. These add bulk and weight to the diet and provides a feeling of fullness without providing a lot of calories. Thus, leading to a proper weight management.

When our body's blood sugar levels drop down to below normal (during fasting/heavy exercise etc.) glycogen is released from the liver and is converted to glucose for energy.

PART 2:

There is no term like non essential vitamins as vitamins are not synthesized in the body and are needed by the body in minute quantities so all are essential vitamins.

The body maintains a complex set of defences against illness and infection. Nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin B₆ and folacin protect the body by supporting antioxidant efforts.

Antioxidants are compounds that protect biological systems against potentially harmful effects of processes or reactions that can cause excessive oxidations. Three vitamins that are antioxidant : beta carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E.

Phytochemicals are chemical produce of plant origin which include: indoles, polyphenols, carotenoids, phytosterols etc.

Carotenoids are the phytochemicals which are responsible for imparting color to plants. These are : beta carotene, lycopene, lutein etc.

Vitamin D is functional in protecting bone health. Vitamin D interacts with calcium to ensure bone health.

Vitamin B₆ , vitamin B₁₂, vitamin B₂, vitaminE , vitamin K and folate help in healthy blood.

Excessive consumption of alcohol hinders the process of absorption of vitamins.