Tag: Human enzymes

Over 90% of the starch we consume from foods like potatoes, rice, and bread is broken down into glucose for energy. The question, "Can starch be broken down by humans?" can be answered with a resounding yes, although the process involves several steps and different types of starch affect digestion differently.

Over one-third of the human population experiences issues with digestion, and the inability to break down certain carbohydrates is a key factor. While many carbohydrates are easily metabolized, certain complex sugars, or polysaccharides, cannot be digested by the human body due to a lack of specific enzymes.

The chemical digestion of carbohydrates begins as soon as food enters the mouth, a process initiated by the salivary enzyme amylase. While many people believe all digestion starts in the stomach, the mouth provides the initial enzymatic conversion, specifically for complex carbohydrates. This critical first step breaks down starches into smaller glucose chains, fundamentally changing the food's composition before it is even swallowed.

Over 90% of all dietary carbohydrates are eventually converted into glucose to be used for energy. However, the human body can only digest certain forms of glucose, depending on the specific type of chemical bond holding the sugar molecules together. This fundamental difference determines what type of glucose can humans digest and process for energy.