When we gain a better insight into how the food we eat metabolises and impacts our short

and long-term physiological well-being, it encourages us to be more conscientious about

what we consume.

In response to John's health concerns, I explained that his current diet primarily consists of
simple carbohydrates and while carbohydrates are essential for our bodies to produce
glucose, the group of carbohydrates we consume is just as important to consider. Glucose is
the only fuel source for our brain and red blood cells and the primary fuel source for our
muscles, eyes and kidneys. In addition, glucose sustains our heart rate, temperature and
digestion during sleep and triggers leptin, the hormone required for long-term energy balance
and appetite control. Glucose is so essential that our bodies can create it, if needed, through
gluconeogenesis, a process where the liver converts non-carbohydrate substrates into glucose.

Carbohydrates are produced from sugars and found in most foods excluding meat and eggs.
There are four kinds of carbohydrates, divided into two distinct groups known as simple and
complex carbohydrates.

As we eat, digestible sugars in carbohydrates are broken down and enter the bloodstream. As
blood glucose levels increase, the pancreas releases insulin, a hormone which allows cells to
absorb sugar for use or storage, leading to a decrease in blood sugar levels.)