The term metabolism is often bandied about. You get to hear your friends and acquaintances blaming their metabolic rates for weight gain most of the time. Well, it is time to check the facts by obtaining the right information about metabolism. No worries! You will be able to understand the truth about metabolism easily even when you have not pursued biology or chemistry in high school or college.
It is time to check the definition of metabolism before you delve into related facts. It suffices to know that metabolism is a collective term used to describe the complex biochemical reaction that goes on within your body. It is indeed interesting to note that the calories you consume are burnt in your body before being converted into energy. This energy is the fuel for your body that completes the essential functions including digestion, respiration, repair of muscles, and ensuring hormonal balance.
Best Information About Metabolism
Some of the other associated facts that may be interesting and a trifle disturbing at times include the following:-
- Food- This is one of the most important aspects impacting the metabolism process. The nutrients within the food are broken down into the basic form with some of them transformed into energy to power the body when at rest. The remaining calories are stored in the body and may be used during physical activities.
- Calories– It suffices to know that a calorie is a unit of energy. It is used to calculate the quantity of energy generated from food during any activity. It is amazing to learn that the energy stored in a pound of body fat is enough to light a 40-watt bulb for more than five minutes.
- Harmony– The entire body works together as a unit to keep the body functioning constantly. Metabolism consists of two distinct parts: anabolism and catabolism. The procedure goes on within all bodily cells yet the cells work in coherence ensuring perfect coordination and functioning of the body.
- Immunity– Most individuals are well aware of immunity. The immune system keeps the body protected from pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents. Again, it is metabolism that strengthens the immunity allowing you to prevent being contaminated most of the time.
- Health Conditions– Flaws in the normal metabolic process are likely to affect your health adversely. The commonest example of metabolic problems is manifested by diabetes which occurs due to insulin resistance. Visiting an endocrinologist alternatively known as a diabetes doctor or metabolism doctor is recommended for such patients.
- Glycans– Doctors often diagnose cancer based on glycans in the cells or tumors. These are special types of carbohydrates that play the role of a mediator or modulator of cancer cells.
- Parkinson’s disease– This condition is also linked to disruptive metabolism. The mitochondria in your body are likened to a powerhouse of the cells. There are instances of abnormal protein buildup within the cells that end up killing the healthy cells leading to Parkinson’s disease.
It is impossible to know all possible information about metabolism by reading books or attending lectures. Professionals working with metabolism take years to study and understand the implications of the process.
