Final answer:
Digestion is the process of breaking down food into nutrient molecules, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream, primarily in the small intestine. Nutrients provide the raw materials needed for the body's cellular processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process in which your body breaks down food into nutrient molecules is digestion. This multi-step process involves both mechanical and chemical breakdown of food so that the essential components can be absorbed into the bloodstream. During mechanical digestion, which begins in the mouth, food is physically broken down into smaller pieces by actions like chewing. The process continues within the stomach, aided by digestive juices. Chemical digestion starts in the mouth with saliva and continues in the stomach, where enzymes further break down the food.
Once digestion breaks food down into small enough molecules, they undergo absorption. This crucial step takes place mostly in the small intestine, where these nutrient molecules are absorbed by the blood. After absorption, these molecules travel in the bloodstream to cells throughout the body, providing the raw materials necessary for various cellular processes, such as energy production and repair of tissues.
Nutrients are the substances in food that provide the raw materials your body's cells need to carry out all their essential processes. These nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, each serving specific roles in maintaining health and ensuring proper function of the body's systems.