Why does a person get energy from food?

All parts of the body (muscles, brain, heart and liver) need energy to function. This energy comes from the food we eat.

Our bodies digest the food we eat by mixing it with fluids (acids and enzymes) in the stomach. When the stomach digests food, the carbohydrates (sugars and starches) in the food break down into another type of sugar called glucose. The stomach and small intestine absorb glucose and then release it into the bloodstream. Once glucose enters the bloodstream, it can be used immediately for energy or stored in our bodies and used later.