The 1 Week Diet Download FREE Brian Flatt [PDF] | Page 32

Metabolism
To provide the right amount of fuel (at the right time) for proper functioning and keeping our
bodies alive is the primary responsibility of the metabolism. It accomplishes this through a
complex series of chemical reactions whereby food is converted to the energy we need. When
we eat, the food we swallow enters our digestive tract and is broken down by digestive enzymes.
Carbohydrates are converted to glucose, fats to fatty acids and protein to amino acids. Once
these nutrients are broken down, they are absorbed by the bloodstream and carried into the cells
of the body. Our metabolism then works to release these nutrients as energy, using them to build
and repair lean tissue or store them for later use
METABOLIC PROCESSES
There are two categories of metabolic processes; one is constructive which is responsible for
building and storing energy for the body. The other is destructive, though in a positive sense, as it
breaks down nutrient molecules to release energy. The constructive metabolic process is called
anabolism, while the destructive process is called catabolism.
Anabolism promotes the growth of new cells, the maintenance and repair of tissues, and the
storage of energy — usually through body fat — for future use. Small nutrient molecules are
converted into larger molecules of protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Catabolism is responsible for immediately providing the body with energy to use. Instead of
building up nutrient molecules, it breaks them down to release energy.
LAUNCH HANDBOOK
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