Food digestion is the process of breaking down food into smaller molecules so that the body can absorb nutrients. Digestion begins in the mouth and ends in the small intestine, and involves both mechanical and enzymatic processes:
Mouth Teeth grind up food and saliva moistens it, making it easier to swallow. Saliva also contains enzymes that start breaking down carbohydrates into sugars.
Esophagus Muscular contractions move food down into the stomach.
Small intestine Food mixes with digestive juices, breaking down large molecules into smaller ones. It takes about six to eight hours for food to pass through the stomach and small intestine.
Large intestine Also known as the colon, this is where food is further digested, water is absorbed, and undigested food is eliminated. It takes about 36 hours for food to move through the entire colon.
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