When you see the word insulin you probably link it with diabetes. I do too! Insulin is the main culprit of diabetes and insulin-resistance, but right now I am going to explain to you the importance of insulin and what it does.
Insulin effects every cell in your body. It is produced in the pancreas which is located behind your stomach. The main job for insulin is to lower the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood. After you eat, especially carbohydrates, your food is broken down into simple sugars and released into the blood stream. The pancreas then releases multiple pumps of insulin which then helps escort the sugars to the liver where it's tuned into glycogen (a form of stored glucose) for muscular use. For instance when you exercise your muscles become better at using glucose for energy.
The insulin also aids in turning glucose into fatty acids which are then escorted into fat cells where it can be stored as fuel. Again when you exercise your fat cells, like glucose, can be converted into energy for your muscles which will result in fat burning and weight loss. The outcome of these two processes ultimately results in lower blood sugar levels.
Maintaining lower blood sugar levels are the main goal which is why it is important to eat clean to keep insulin working for you and not against you. This allows your body to use your stored fat as fuel more easily. As said before insulin is a very important hormone in the body. If levels are to high or to low, insulin-resistance and diabetes can develop. Check back soon for a more in-depth look at these two conditions and how insulin plays a vital role in both.
Comments