Question

What is the important role of water in digestion?
A) Prevent dehydration
B) Metabolic process
C) Both A and B
D) Provides energy

Answer 1

Digestion is the process by which the large insoluble food is broken down into smaller particles that can be easily absorbed by the blood. The digestive system releases enzymes that break down the food. The process of digestion begins in mouth.

Complete answer:
The digestion of food begins in mouth and ends in the intestine. The process of digestion begins in the mouth with ingestion followed by the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients and elimination of undigested food. In this process, water is very essential.

The food passes through the digestive tract where the mucous helps in the movement of food. Water is needed to produce the mucous. Water also prevents the stomach from getting affected by the acidic juices. In the small intestine, digestive activities are brought about with the help of water. All the digestive enzymes contain water so they help in moistening the food and also breaking it down.

The water acts as a medium in which the nutrients from the food dissolve and can be easily absorbed by the blood. The fibres that we eat are insoluble. Adequate water helps in better bowel movement. Thus. we can say that the water helps in preventing dehydration and also carrying out the metabolic processes.

Energy- The energy is produced in our body by the breakdown of carbohydrates. The glucose on metabolism produces energy and water.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘C’.

Note: Human body is made up of 70% of water. The blood contains around 90% water. Water is essential for maintaining the temperature of the body. It is essential for all living beings to carry their metabolic function.