When carbs are eaten (both sugars AND starches)
They turn into Monosaccharides.
Glucose, Fructose, and Galactose are the 3 main Monosaccharides.
What about Sucrose?
Where it is in the blood? We eat alot of sucrose!
SUCROSE is made up of Glucose and Fructose.
See how that works?
See how that works?
So the food is eaten.
The Glucose, Fructose and Galactose are sent directly to the Liver
via the portal vein. That's what "portal" means.
"Portal" has to do with the Liver (link)
In other words, these molecules go right to the blood stream.
The liver takes in most/some of the Monosaccharides.
First, it stores glycogen (link) in the liver.
Then, some glycogen is stored in the muscles.
Then, if both of those are full -
the excess is stored as Adipose Tissue.
As FAT! (link)
"Portal" has to do with the Liver (link)
In other words, these molecules go right to the blood stream.
The liver takes in most/some of the Monosaccharides.
First, it stores glycogen (link) in the liver.
Then, some glycogen is stored in the muscles.
Then, if both of those are full -
the excess is stored as Adipose Tissue.
As FAT! (link)
If there's extra Glucose, Fructose, and Galactose in the system (food)
And the liver can't uptake it all, and the rest goes to the intestines.
Where friendly flora have a hay-day! (link)
Fructose.
Fructose is - of course - from fruit.
That is why people recommend eating fruits.
Blood Sugar readings are usually done via a Glucometer.
Which tests the amount of Glucose in the blood.
Glucose - not Fructose.
Fructose will not strongly affect glucose levels!
But it can sure keep your liver busy for while! (link)
When I see a Nurse recommend fruit for a Diabetic,
or a "Pre-Diabetic," or obese person, I come unwrapped!
Very sad. Berries have less Fructose. Try those!
The serving size of straw berries - is 6 berries, by the way.
Not a bowl full covered in sugar.
Or for fruit - ONE small apple. Or 15 grapes.
Fruit is not an All-You-Can-Gorge upon food.
Galactose.
Galactose - is from Lactose - from Milk.
It can also be found in Beet Sugar.
And celery. But you'd have to eat a lot of it!
Galactose is another molecule that, in excess,
can cause problems. Like aging. (link)
Most Galactose is easily converted to Glucose.
IF the person has the converting enzymes!
If not, they can be pretty sick! (link)
Lactose Intolerance is a different thing. (link)
But still causes problems for many people!
Glucose.
The biggie. Pun intended.
Glucose is the primary sugar of the body.
[That, and ketone bodies. (link)]
Glucose is also known as Dextrose.
"Dex" meaning "right" as in "right-handed."
The molecules of Dextrose spiral to the right.
While some others go to the left.
Glucose is just a sugar molecule.
An abundant molecule.
Now comes the Pancreas. (link)
The very word "pan" means "all"
And "kreas" comes from "flesh."
The Pancreas is a lovely, happy little organ.
Who loves his job, but is no doubt over-worked.
When blood sugar is too low, the Pancreas
releases Glucagon (link)
Even excess protein can get converted to
glucose via gluconeogenisis. (link)
The word means " to make new glucose."
When blood sugar is too high, the Pancreas secretes Insulin (link)
Insulin is a hormone that brings the glucose into the cells.
Without Insulin, the Glucose can not cross into the cells
of the body.
A normal blood glucose (sugar) reading
may - or may not - indicate a normal insulin response.
In people who are overweight,
it is thought that the response will not be so normal!
When Insulin is secreted, so is Amylin (link)
And Amylin has ties with Leptin (link)
And Leptin is all the "rage" in the diet world right now.
Leptin has direct and indirect ties with glucose
metabolism... and obesity.
Factors that affect Leptin, also affect inflammation.
Maybe that's why fish (N3) have a major role in
Leptin retraining diets. (link)
We all know what happens when Glucose is
eaten in excess. We either use the energy or store it.
Forget about calories and insulin and leptin
and everything else for a minute.
We either use it, or store it to use later.
Fructose.
Fructose is - of course - from fruit.
And the molecule causes long-term problems
in the liver... in excess. Like high triglycerides.
And obesity.
They say to limit Fructose intake to 50 grams a day.
Fructose does not affect blood sugar!That is why people recommend eating fruits.
Blood Sugar readings are usually done via a Glucometer.
Which tests the amount of Glucose in the blood.
Glucose - not Fructose.
Fructose will not strongly affect glucose levels!
But it can sure keep your liver busy for while! (link)
When I see a Nurse recommend fruit for a Diabetic,
or a "Pre-Diabetic," or obese person, I come unwrapped!
Very sad. Berries have less Fructose. Try those!
The serving size of straw berries - is 6 berries, by the way.
Not a bowl full covered in sugar.
Or for fruit - ONE small apple. Or 15 grapes.
Fruit is not an All-You-Can-Gorge upon food.
Galactose.
Galactose - is from Lactose - from Milk.
It can also be found in Beet Sugar.
And celery. But you'd have to eat a lot of it!
Galactose is another molecule that, in excess,
can cause problems. Like aging. (link)
Most Galactose is easily converted to Glucose.
IF the person has the converting enzymes!
If not, they can be pretty sick! (link)
Lactose Intolerance is a different thing. (link)
But still causes problems for many people!
Glucose.
The biggie. Pun intended.
Glucose is the primary sugar of the body.
[That, and ketone bodies. (link)]
Glucose is also known as Dextrose.
"Dex" meaning "right" as in "right-handed."
The molecules of Dextrose spiral to the right.
While some others go to the left.
Glucose is just a sugar molecule.
An abundant molecule.
Now comes the Pancreas. (link)
The very word "pan" means "all"
And "kreas" comes from "flesh."
Who loves his job, but is no doubt over-worked.
When blood sugar is too low, the Pancreas
releases Glucagon (link)
Even excess protein can get converted to
glucose via gluconeogenisis. (link)
The word means " to make new glucose."
When blood sugar is too high, the Pancreas secretes Insulin (link)
Insulin is a hormone that brings the glucose into the cells.
Without Insulin, the Glucose can not cross into the cells
of the body.
A normal blood glucose (sugar) reading
may - or may not - indicate a normal insulin response.
In people who are overweight,
it is thought that the response will not be so normal!
When Insulin is secreted, so is Amylin (link)
And Amylin has ties with Leptin (link)
And Leptin is all the "rage" in the diet world right now.
Leptin has direct and indirect ties with glucose
metabolism... and obesity.
Factors that affect Leptin, also affect inflammation.
Maybe that's why fish (N3) have a major role in
Leptin retraining diets. (link)
We all know what happens when Glucose is
eaten in excess. We either use the energy or store it.
Forget about calories and insulin and leptin
and everything else for a minute.
We either use it, or store it to use later.
Very few carbs are actually needed.
In fact - none are actually essential for human metabolism.
Cut back on fat - especially the fatty acids...
That would be a mistake! Many vitamines are Fat Soluble.
That would be a mistake! Many vitamines are Fat Soluble.
And the Omega Series - absolutely essential!
To cut back on Protein in the diet - same thing.
Many essential Amino Acids there.
Hope this helps...
It's just a clarification of terms
and in no way under the Sun
is the all-inclusive guide to anything!
Many essential Amino Acids there.
Hope this helps...
It's just a clarification of terms
and in no way under the Sun
is the all-inclusive guide to anything!
This statement is the best thing I've ever read on your blog: "Very few carbs are actually needed.
ReplyDeleteIn fact - none are actually essential for human metabolism." Holy Cow Batman!!!
I'd love to hear (in layman's terms) anything you have to say about weight loss after having had your gall bladder removed. My husband claims it is harder for him to lose than me because he doesn't have a gall bladder. What do you think?
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