The Digestive System (May 2014) | Page 2

What is the importance of the digestive system?

The digestive system is essential for the intake of food, its breakdown into nutrients and their absorption, and elimination of the indigestible waste.

Digestion is important for breaking down food into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. Food and drink must be changed into smaller molecules of nutrients before the blood absorbs them and carries them to cells throughout the body. The body breaks down nutrients from food and drink into carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins.