TRIVIA

Sugar is a type of carbohydrate, a macronutrient that provides energy (in the form of calories) from
foods and beverages we consume. Carbohydrates are classified into two subtypes of sugar:
monosaccharides, or "simple sugars" (consisting of one molecule),` and disaccharides (two molecules).
The monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. The major disaccharides include sucrose
(one glucose molecule and one fructose molecule), lactose (one glucose molecule and one galactose
molecule), and maltose (two glucose molecules).

Fructose, glucose, and sucrose are found naturally in fruit and some vegetables, while lactose is found in
dairy and maltose is found in germinating grains. Fructose and glucose are also found naturally in honey,
as well as in common table sugar.

An increasingly important distinction among sugars as they pertain to health is whether they occur
naturally in foods such as fruit, vegetables, and dairy, or whether they are added sugars (added to foods
and beverages during manufacturing, processing, or preparation).

Sugary beverages are the greatest source of added sugar in the diet, followed by sweets and grains such
as ready-to-eat cereals. Intake of added sugar, particularly from beverages, has been associated with
weight gain and higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Natural and added sugars are metabolized the same way in our bodies. But for most people, consuming
natural sugars in foods such as fruit is not linked to negative health effects, since the amount of sugar
tends to be modest and is "packaged" with fiber and other healthful nutrients. On the other hand, our
bodies do not need, or benefit from, eating added sugar.