Pasta contains carbohydrates, which are used as energy in the body.
Carbohydrates are large molecules that are found in sugars, starches and fiber. When carbohydrates are digested and broken down by the body, they are used for energy by cells. Carbohydrate energy powers elective movement, such as running and jumping, as well as involuntary processes, such as breathing and pumping the heart.
Energy
During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into a simpler form. The broken-down carbohydrates can be used in the body as glucose. Glucose is used for immediate energy in the body. Walking, running and jumping all require energy. Involuntary body processes also require energy to maintain breathing, circulation and other functions. When carbohydrates are consumed and digested, the body will use what it needs for immediate use. The remaining energy that is not needed is stored for future use.
Storage: Short Term
After the body has used available glucose as fuel, it begins to process the remaining glucose to use it at a later time. Glycogen and fat are two forms of stored carbohydrates that the body can break down if energy is needed. Glycogen is stored in liver and muscles cells, whereas fat is stored in fat cells. Glycogen is short-term storage, and only enough glycogen is stored for 12 hours of energy. When blood sugar levels drop and glucose is not readily available, the body will break down glycogen into glucose and use the energy for bodily processes.
Storage: Long Term
When the body has stored glycogen, any remaining glucose is converted and stored as fat. When glucose is not available and glycogen has been depleted, stored fat is used to fuel the body. Fat may be used without being broken down to glucose as an energy source. However, the brain cannot use fat as fuel; glucose must be available to provide energy for brain function. The body is not able to convert fat easily into glucose; so, if there is no supply of glucose, the body will convert protein from muscles into glucose.
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