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Information About Glycogen:
Glucose Energy Store |
Carbs in Food |
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Information About Carbs | Carbohydrates Guide | Low Carb Diets |
GlycogenWhat is Glycogen?Glycogen is the body's main source of stored energy. Made from glucose (from excess carbs), glycogen is stored primarily in liver and muscle cells. It is stored with water, in the ratio 1 gram of carbohydrates to 3 grams of water. Where is Glycogen Found in the Body?Most glycogen is found in the liver (comprising about 10 percent of the liver), with muscles containing a relatively small amount. Liver-glycogen is more readily available for energy and blood glucose maintenance, while muscle-glycogen is used primarily for muscle-energy. A third glycogen location is the brain, where small amounts of glycogen are found in the glial cells. Glucose to GlycogenGlycogen is generated from glucose (a simple monosaccharide sugar) by the enzyme glycogen synthase. This process is called glycogenesis. The conversion of glucose to glycogen enables the body to 'park' extra carbohydrate calories, for future use. Glycogen to GlucoseThe breakdown of glycogen into glucose is called glycogenolysis. Glycogenolysis is regulated by the enzyme glycogen phosphorylase. It facilitates the quick retrieval of glucose molecules when extra energy is needed. The average person stores enough glycogen to last them about 12 hours. Mechanism to Regulate Blood Sugar LevelsThe conversion of glucose to glycogen (glycogenesis) and hydrolysis of glycogen to glucose (glycogenolysis), are the usual mechanism for maintenance of normal levels of blood sugar. To maintain an adequate level of glycogen, a minimum of 100 grams of carbohydrates should be eaten, per day. |
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Carbs-Information.com provides general information about different types of carbohydrate, like monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, as well as nutritional value of carbohydrates, carb-content of foods, plus details of GI values of all food groups, plus advice about diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. But no information is intended as a substitute for medical advice. Copyright 2003-2006. |