Chemical digestion of carbohydrates begins in the mouth. As we chew our food, saliva is released, which contains an enzyme called salivary amylase. This enzyme plays a key role in breaking down starches into simpler sugars.
Once we begin to chew, salivary amylase starts to break down polysaccharides like starch into smaller molecules, such as maltose. Although the process of digestion continues in the stomach and small intestine, the initial breakdown of carbohydrates kicks off in the mouth. This is crucial because it signifies the starting point of carbohydrate metabolism, allowing our bodies to more efficiently absorb and utilize sugars as energy.