What hormone is responsible for converting food into energy?

The hormone responsible for converting food into energy is insulin. When food is consumed, especially carbohydrates, it is broken down into glucose, which is a primary energy source for the body. Insulin is secreted by the pancreas in response to rising blood glucose levels after eating.

Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, allowing them to use it for energy. Additionally, insulin helps store excess glucose in the liver and muscle tissues in the form of glycogen for later use. This regulatory action is crucial in maintaining normal blood sugar levels and ensuring that cells have a constant energy supply.

Understanding insulin's role is vital in recognizing how the body manages energy and metabolism, particularly in the context of conditions like diabetes, where insulin production or action is impaired. This hormonal function is central to energy metabolism, distinguishing it from the roles of the other hormones listed, which have different functions in the body.