Essay On Sucrose

Research indicates that there is a positive correlation between consumption of high fructose corn syrup and obesity percentages. Sucrose is the leading added sweetener in in the manufacture of foods in the Unites States and is the biggest source of fructose. Sucrose and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are metabolized identically and react the same way to insulin, leptin and ghrelin. Sucrose is indifferent from HFCS in causing obesity. Compared to glucose, sucrose is extracted directly from the liver while glucose goes directly to the bloodstream causing larger sugar spikes. HFCS and sucrose have an identical effect on glucose and hormones such as insulin. Sucrose=50% glucose + 50% fructose; HFCS = . 55% fructose + 45% glucose. Excessive amount of fructose intake as added sugar
increases the risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, etc. > 90% of the population exceeds the recommended dosage of sugar consumption.
Sucrose, glucose and fructose are all carbohydrates (simple sugars) All are processed differently but contain the same energy. Glucose and fructose are monosaccharides that build up sucrose, a polysaccharide. Glucose, the most important sugar is the body’s preferred energy source; blood sugar; most carbs are processed into glucose either to be used or stored as glycogen in the liver or muscle. Insulin is released primarily in response to blood concentration of glucose. Fructose, found in fruits and vegetables is added to flavored drinks. This sugar is not preferred by the body and is metabolized by the liver and relies on fructokinase. It is more fat-producing than glucose and does not initiate insulin or leptin production. It behaves more like a fat than a sugar. Sucrose, which is essentially table sugar, is obtained from sugar cane and beets. beta-fructosidase separates sucrose into glucose and fructose. Each sugar is metabolized individually. If fructose is not used as a source of energy, it will be converted into fat by the liver.
Certain types of sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup take longer to metabolize creating toxins and waste products such as uric acid and also behaves like a fat -producer.
Sucrose: Enzymes in the intestinal tract will separate sucrose into its individual components of glucose and fructose. The body will use glucose as energy and the fructose for fat-synthesis. This can help raise blood sugar.
Glucose: The simplest sugar, is the body’s fuel, “gasoline” for the body.
It is used immediately to raise blood sugar levels. Without it cells are starved. Glucose is the fastest metabolized carbohydrate. It will initiate the production of insulin. The average American diet is 15.8% sugar. Fruits like apples, pears, raisins, and honey contain more fructose than glucose. It would take 20 apples to get 500 calories from fructose (25% of the 2000 calorie diet) Fructose is slightly worse for you than glucose. It takes a lot of fruit to create a dangerous level of fructose intake.
The body makes glucose by breaking down carbohydrates, proteins and fats. 15% of the American diet consists of added sugar. Sweetened beverages are the leading source of added sugar in the United States. There is a clear correlation between high sugar consumption and obesity and bad heart health. In laboratory experiments artificial sweeteners added to a rat’s diet caused their body’s to become confused and caused weight loss. The intensity of sweeteners can actually lead to a “sweet tooth” which makes the individual crave sugar and eat more than necessary. Children who are raised on sugar will live on
sugar.