Huberman Lab cover image

Dr. Robert Lustig: How Sugar & Processed Foods Impact Your Health

Huberman Lab

00:00

*Calories eaten vs Calories absorbed *

Calories eaten may not necessarily be all absorbed due to the presence of fiber in food. In the case of almonds, 160 calories are eaten, but only 130 are absorbed because the fiber in almonds, soluble and insoluble, forms a barrier in the intestine preventing absorption. The insoluble fiber acts as a fishnet and the soluble fiber plugs the holes, hindering the absorption of 30 calories. These unabsorbed calories proceed to the jejunum where the microbiome resides. The gut bacteria, part of the microbiome, consume these calories and produce beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the calories absorbed at the intestinal brush border, not just the calories eaten when evaluating nutritional impact.

Transcript
Play full episode

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner