Glycogen

The resistance of our body to unfavorable environmental conditions is explained by its ability to make timely reserves of nutrients. One of the important “reserve” substances of the body is glycogen – a polysaccharide formed from glucose residues.

Provided that a person receives the necessary amount of carbohydrates every day, then glucose, which is in the form of cell glycogen, can be left in reserve. If a person experiences energy hunger, then glycogen is activated, followed by its transformation into glucose.

Glycogen-rich foods:

General characteristics of glycogen

Glycogen in the common people is called animal starch… It is a storage carbohydrate that is produced in the body of animals and humans. Its chemical formula is (C₆H₁₀O₅)_n… Glycogen is a compound of glucose, which is deposited in the form of small granules in the cytoplasm of muscle cells, liver, kidneys, as well as in brain cells and white blood cells. Thus, glycogen is an energy reserve capable of replenishing the lack of glucose in the absence of adequate nutrition for the body.

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Liver cells (hepatocytes) are the leaders in the accumulation of glycogen! They can be 8 percent of their weight from this substance. In this case, the cells of muscles and other organs are capable of accumulating glycogen in an amount of no more than 1 – 1,5%. In adults, the total amount of liver glycogen can reach 100-120 grams!

The body’s daily requirement for glycogen

On the recommendation of doctors, the daily rate of glycogen should not be lower than 100 grams per day. Although it must be borne in mind that glycogen consists of glucose molecules, and the calculation can only be carried out on an interdependent basis.

The need for glycogen increases:

• In the case of increased physical exertion associated with performing a large number of monotonous manipulations. As a result, the muscles suffer from a lack of blood supply as well as a lack of glucose in the blood.
• When performing work related to brain activity. In this case, the glycogen contained in the brain cells is quickly converted into energy for work. The cells themselves, having given up the accumulated, require replenishment of stocks.
• In case of limited food. In this case, the body, receiving less glucose from food, begins to process its reserves.

The need for glycogen decreases:

• When consuming large amounts of glucose and glucose-like compounds.
• For diseases associated with increased glucose intake.
• With liver diseases.
• With glycogenesis caused by impaired enzymatic activity.

Digestibility of glycogen

Glycogen belongs to the group of rapidly digestible carbohydrates, with a delay in execution. This formulation is explained as follows: as long as there are enough other sources of energy in the body, the glycogen granules will be stored intact. But as soon as the brain sends a signal about the lack of energy supply, glycogen under the influence of enzymes begins to be converted into glucose.

Glycogen for beauty and health

Since glycogen is an internal source of energy in the body, its deficiency can cause a general decrease in the energy of the whole body. This is reflected in the activity of hair follicles, skin cells, and also manifests itself in a loss of eye shine.

A sufficient amount of glycogen in the body, even during a period of acute shortage of free nutrients, will keep you energetic, flushed on your cheeks, beauty of the skin and shine of hair!

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