23.1.10 fiber and glucose

fiber

• a form of glucose that cannot be chemically digested by the body

soluble fiber

• found within plant cells

• SLOWS ABSORPTION OF GLUCOSE INTO BLOOD (to prevent glucose spike in blood)

• broken down by bacteria in the LARGE INTESTINE

• serves as an important food source

  • ex. pectin, xanthan gum

insoluble fiber

• makes ip plant wall cells

• is not digested by body or intestinal bacterial

• adds bulk to feces, easing its elimination

• ex. corn shell, harder to break down, shows up in our poop intact

insulin

• responds to elevated blood glucose levels

  • stimulates organs to take up glucose from the blood and use it for fuel

glucagon

• responds to low blood sugar levels

• stimulates glycogenolysis and glucose release into the blood

• cleaves off individual glucose molecules from glycogen to inc. blood sugar