What is the process of digestion?

The process of digestion refers specifically to the breakdown of food into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body. This involves mechanical and chemical processes that start in the mouth, where food is broken down by chewing and saliva, and continues in the stomach and intestines, where enzymatic action further breaks down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into their respective building blocks, such as simple sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids.

Understanding digestion is fundamental to nutrition because it is the initial step that allows the body to process the food we eat. Once food is adequately broken down, it can then be absorbed into the bloodstream, where nutrients are transported to cells for use, but this absorption occurs only after the digestion process has successfully created smaller, more manageable molecules. Overall, digestion is a crucial step before absorption can happen, enabling the body to utilize the nutrients effectively.