The Need for Digestion

Digestion is essential because humans must break down large molecules from food into smaller particles. This is key to enable absorption and diffusion into cells.
The body uses these small molecules for vital processes, such as energy production, growth, and repair.
Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are key sources of nutrients but cannot be used by the body in their consumed form. They require digestion to turn them into usable substances.
Proteins must be broken down into amino acids for use in protein synthesis.
Similarly, carbohydrates are digested into sugars, primarily glucose, which is needed for energy.
Fats are digested into fatty acids and glycerol, which are used for cell membrane production and energy storage, respectively.
In addition to breaking down nutrients, digestion also allows the body to eliminate waste products, including indigestible materials and toxins.
Digestion allows the body to fight disease. Some harmless bacteria living in the gut help the digestive system function effectively and can prevent harmful bacteria’s proliferation.
The digestive system, starting from the mouth to the anus, uses a combination of mechanical and chemical processes to achieve digestion. Mechanical processes include chewing and peristalsis, while chemical processes involve various digestive enzymes.
Not all consumed food can be digested and absorbed. The indigestible portions, such as cellulose from plants, add necessary bulk to the diet which aids in bowel movements.
If the digestive system fails or is affected by disease, it can lead to serious health issues. These can include malnutrition due to ineffective absorption of nutrients and illnesses related to toxic substance build-up.