Liver
Liver: A Large Storage Organ
The blood surrounding the small intestine is rich in nutrients. This blood first flows to the liver (see Figure 8). Many of these nutrients are stored in the liver based on the body’s needs. The liver also produces other substances that are sent into the bloodstream.
One important role of the liver is to produce bile, which is stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps digest fats and plays a role in food digestion.
Important Concept
Bile is not an enzyme, but it helps break down fats by emulsifying them, increasing the surface area for digestive enzymes to act on.
Sugars That Turn into Fat
Carbohydrates provide the energy our body’s cells need. However, if we consume too many carbohydrates, the liver stores the excess by turning it into fat.
So if we eat more food than our body needs—especially carbohydrates—we may gain excess weight. This is why nutrition experts say maintaining a healthy weight is important for your health.
For example, being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. It also puts more pressure on the joints and bones, especially in growing children.
Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is very important. Do you know what factors influence your weight?
Common Mistake
Many people think only fats make you gain weight, but consuming too many carbohydrates—especially sugars—can also lead to fat storage in the body.
Question
Show Answer
When we consume more carbohydrates than the body needs, the liver stores the excess by converting it into fat. Maintaining a healthy weight is important to prevent problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and joint strain.