What is the primary source of energy for the body?

The primary source of energy for the body is carbohydrates. In metabolic terms, carbohydrates are most easily converted into glucose, which is the preferred fuel for the body's cells, especially for brain function and during physical activity. When carbohydrates are consumed, they undergo digestion and are broken down into simple sugars, the most common being glucose. This glucose can then be utilized immediately for energy or stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use.

While fats and proteins can also serve as energy sources, they are utilized in different circumstances. Fats are a dense source of energy and are primarily used during prolonged, lower-intensity exercise or when carbohydrate stores are low. Proteins, on the other hand, are not typically used for energy; their primary role is in growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues, and they are only used for energy in situations where carbohydrates and fats are insufficient.

Minerals do not provide energy; instead, they assist in various physiological functions, including enzyme activity and maintaining fluid balance, but they do not serve as a fuel source for the body. Thus, carbohydrates stand out as the main energy source, especially in terms of immediate availability and effectiveness in energy production.