Archive for Wednesday, November 3, 2004

Here’s a breakdown on sugar

November 3, 2004


What is fructose?

The various sugars perform different functions in the body, but they are all carbohydrates, an important source of energy.

What is sucrose?

Sucrose is a disaccharide (two monosaccharides linked together) that contains equal parts of glucose and fructose. Known as table or white sugar, sucrose is found naturally in sugar cane and sugar beets.

What is high fructose corn syrup?

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a liquid sweetener used in the manufacture of foods and beverages. In the late 1960s scientists developed an enzymatic process that transforms dextrose (glucose) from corn meal into a mixture of fructose and glucose. The most common form (70 percent in food supply) is HFCS-55, which contains 55 percent fructose and 45 percent glucose.

Does sugar cause obesity?

Excess body fat results when people do not balance their energy (caloric) input with energy output. Extra calories may come from any caloric nutrient -- proteins, fats, alcohol and carbohydrates including starches and sugars.

What are considered "added sugars"?

In the United States, the No. 1 source of added sugars is nondiet soft drinks. Other major sources of added sugars in the United States are: cakes, cookies, pies; fruitades and drinks such as fruit punch and lemonade; dairy desserts such as ice cream; and candy.
Some foods with added sugars also may be high in vitamins and minerals. However, these foods may provide extra calories along with the nutrients.
When shopping, you may want to consider a lower sugar alternative. For example, applesauce with added sugar contains 22 grams of sugar, but unsweetened applesauce contains half that amount.
Added sugars made up 11 percent of calories in American diets in the late 1970s, they now are 16 percent overall and 20 percent for teenagers.

Commenting has been disabled for this item.