Polysaccharides are like the body’s natural storage units and defense shields. They are large, complex molecules composed of many sugar molecules linked together.
Think of polysaccharides as a long train with many carriages. Each carriage represents a sugar molecule, and the entire train represents the polysaccharide. Just as a train can carry a lot of cargo, polysaccharides can store a lot of energy. When your body needs energy, it can break down these polysaccharides into their individual sugar molecules and use them for fuel.
But polysaccharides aren’t just about energy storage. They also play a crucial role in the immune system. Some polysaccharides can stimulate the immune system, acting like a call to arms for your body’s defenses. When these polysaccharides are detected, your immune cells respond, helping to protect your body against infections and diseases.
Carbohydrates, which include polysaccharides like starch and fiber, are one of the primary sources of energy for the body. When you consume foods rich in polysaccharides, your body breaks down these complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, such as glucose.
Glucose is then absorbed into your bloodstream and transported to your cells. Inside the cells, glucose is broken down further in a process called cellular respiration, which produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is like the energy currency of your cells—it’s used to power all sorts of cellular processes and functions.
So, in a nutshell, the energy you get from eating carbohydrate-rich foods comes from the process of breaking down polysaccharides into glucose and then converting that glucose into ATP.