Hiilihydraattiosa

Hiilihydraattiosa, a Finnish term, translates to "carbohydrate absorption" in English. It refers to the process by which the body breaks down digestible carbohydrates into simpler sugars, such as glucose, and absorbs them into the bloodstream. This process is primarily initiated in the mouth with the enzyme amylase, which begins to break down starches. Further digestion occurs in the small intestine, where pancreatic amylase and enzymes present in the intestinal wall, like sucrase, lactase, and maltase, complete the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into monosaccharides.

Once broken down into monosaccharides, these simple sugars are absorbed through the intestinal villi into the capillaries and transported to the liver via the portal vein. In the liver, glucose can be used for immediate energy, stored as glycogen, or converted into fat. The rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed and their impact on blood glucose levels is often described by the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL). Foods with a high GI are rapidly digested and lead to a quicker and higher rise in blood glucose, while those with a low GI are digested more slowly, resulting in a more gradual increase. Understanding carbohydrate absorption is crucial for managing blood sugar levels, particularly for individuals with diabetes, and for optimizing energy levels for physical activity.