Types of Natural Sugars
Sugars, also called saccarides, represent a type of carbohydrate. Sugars are often made up of carbon-based rings, which can be linked together to form more complex carbohydrates, such as starch. Natural-occurring sugars can be produced by cells within your body, or consumed through the foods you eat. Numerous types of natural sugars are found in a number of sources.
Glucose
One type of natural-occurring sugar makes up the building block for several carbohydrates in your body. Upon ingestion, some natural sugars get chemically converted into glucose and are taken up by cells within your intestines for use by your body. Some glucose remains in your blood on its own, where it provides fuel for your muscles during physical activity, as well as acts as the major source of fuel for your brain. Excess glucose gets converted into larger molecules of glycogen, which may contain thousands of glucose molecules. A number of hormones, such as insulin, regulate the level of glucose in your blood, explains Colorado State University. Defects in insulin signalling and glucose regulation within your body can eventually lead to metabolic disorders, including diabetes.
- One type of natural-occurring sugar makes up the building block for several carbohydrates in your body.
- Upon ingestion, some natural sugars get chemically converted into glucose and are taken up by cells within your intestines for use by your body.
Fructose
Is Lactose an Aldose?
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Another type of natural sugar is fructose. With a chemical structure very similar to glucose, fructose is commonly found as a carbon-based ring. Georgia State University explains that fructose is typically found in fruit, as well as honey, and represents the sweetest of the simple sugars. It also makes up a component of sucrose, or table sugar, which contains one fructose and one glucose molecule. While some sources of fructose, including fruits, make up part of a healthy diet, many processed foods also contain high levels of fructose in the form of high-fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to obesity and other metabolic disorders, according to Princeton University. Consume several servings of fruits each day as a source of healthy fructose, and avoid processed foods containing high-fructose corn syrup.
- Another type of natural sugar is fructose.
- Georgia State University explains that fructose is typically found in fruit, as well as honey, and represents the sweetest of the simple sugars.
Lactose
Lactose is a natural-occurring sugar found in milk, and other dairy products. It is also a component of human breast milk, providing a source of carbohydrates to a nursing infant. Lactose is a disaccaride, made up of one glucose and one galactose molecule bound together. Upon consumption, an enzyme within the small intestine, called lactase, digests lactose for use by the body. Elmhurst College indicates that a lack of functional lactase can lead to lactose intolerance, a condition that causes bloating and painful gas after consuming dairy. If you suffer from lactose intolerance, consuming lactase pills before a meal containing lactose can relieve these symptoms and allow for proper digestion.
- Lactose is a natural-occurring sugar found in milk, and other dairy products.
- Upon consumption, an enzyme within the small intestine, called lactase, digests lactose for use by the body.
Related Articles
References
- Colorado State University: Physiologic Effects of Insulin
- Georgia State University: Sugars
- Princeton University: A sweet problem: Princeton researchers find that high-fructose corn syrup prompts considerably more weight gain
- Elmhurst College: Carbohydrates - Lactose
- Popkin BM, Hawkes C. Sweetening of the global diet, particularly beverages: patterns, trends, and policy responses. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2015;4(2):174-186. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(15)00419-2
- New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. How much sugar do you eat?. Updated August 2014.
- DeSilver D. How America's diet has changed over time. Pew Research Center. Updated December 13, 2016.
- Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A. The emerging role of dietary fructose in obesity and cognitive decline. Nutr J. 2013;12:114. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-12-114
- Djiogue S, Nwabo Kamdje AH, Vecchio L, et al. Insulin resistance and cancer: the role of insulin and IGFs. Endocr Relat Cancer. 2013;20(1):R1-R17. doi:10.1530/ERC-12-0324
- Page KA, Chan O, Arora J, et al. Effects of fructose vs glucose on regional cerebral blood flow in brain regions involved with appetite and reward pathways. JAMA. 2013;309(1):63-70. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.116975
- Goran MI, Ulijaszek SJ, Ventura EE. High fructose corn syrup and diabetes prevalence: a global perspective. Glob Public Health. 2013;8(1):55-64. doi:10.1080/17441692.2012.736257
- Walker RW, Dumke KA, Goran MI. Fructose content in popular beverages made with and without high-fructose corn syrup. Nutrition. 2014;30(7-8):928-35. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.04.003
- American Heart Association. Added sugars. Updated April 17, 2018.
Writer Bio
Sylvie Tremblay holds a Master of Science in molecular and cellular biology and has years of experience as a cancer researcher and neuroscientist. Based in Ontario, Canada, Tremblay is an experienced journalist and blogger specializing in nutrition, fitness, lifestyle, health and biotechnology, as well as real estate, agriculture and clean tech.