We consume glucose through various foods and beverages, both directly and indirectly.
Direct Consumption of Glucose
We can obtain glucose directly by consuming foods that naturally contain it.
- Examples: Honey is a prime example of a food that contains readily available glucose.
Indirect Consumption of Glucose
Our bodies also derive glucose from foods containing other types of sugars and starches. These need to be broken down into glucose.
- Foods containing Lactose: Lactose breaks down into glucose and galactose.
- Foods containing Sucrose: Sucrose breaks down into glucose and fructose.
- Foods containing Starch: Starch is broken down into glucose units. According to the provided text, when we eat starch-containing foods, the saliva in our mouth must first break down starch into maltose (pairs of linked glucose units).
Breakdown Process
Here's how starch is converted to glucose:
- Salivary Amylase: In the mouth, saliva begins breaking down starch into maltose.
- Further Digestion: Maltose is then further broken down into glucose for absorption.
