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What are the preferred energy sources for the human body, listed in order of priority?

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Final answer:

The human body prioritizes carbohydrates, particularly glucose, as the primary energy source, followed by fats, and then proteins, if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

Preferred Energy Sources for the Human Body

The preferred energy sources for the human body, listed in order of priority, mainly revolve around the macronutrients that provide chemical energy. This is essential for human functioning as energy from food is converted into work, thermal energy, and stored in fatty tissue. The primary sources are:

  1. Carbohydrates: Especially glucose, which is considered the body's main fuel. Carbohydrates are the first choice for quick energy as they can be rapidly broken down into glucose and used by the body.
  2. Fats: When carbohydrates are not available, fats become the next preferable source of energy. Fats have a higher energy density and provide a more prolonged energy release.
  3. Proteins: While not a primary energy source, proteins can be used for energy if carbohydrates and fats are not available. However, proteins are primarily used for growth and repair of tissues.

Although not utilized as primary energy sources, the human body also relies on mechanical energy for movement, radiant energy from sunlight, and electrical energy for nerve transmissions.

User Markquezada
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Final answer:

The human body prioritizes carbohydrates, specifically glucose, as its first energy source, followed by fats, and finally proteins if other sources are depleted.

Step-by-step explanation:

The preferred energy sources for the human body, listed in order of priority, are carbohydrates – mainly glucose, fats, and proteins. Our bodies convert the chemical energy stored in food into work, thermal energy, and/or chemical energy stored in fatty tissue.

The body utilizes glucose first since it is the primary source of energy and the body's fuel. If there is excess glucose, it can be stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles or ultimately as fat.

Fats come next as a denser source of energy, providing a substantial amount of energy stored in adipose tissues for longer-term use. Proteins generally serve as a last resort for energy, as they are primarily used for growth and repair of tissues.

User Haroldo Gondim
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