Find answers to common questions about sugarsuch as what is fructose and what is glucosein our sugar glossary. When it comes to the health implications of sugar. To most dieticians and food experts, natural sugar is the kind of sugar contained in fruits, vegetables, and other plants. Most of these sugars occur as fructose, though glucose and sucrose can also be found in some foods. Another type of natural sugar is fructose. With a chemical structure very similar to glucose, fructose is commonly found as a carbonbased ring. Georgia State University explains that fructose is typically found in fruit, as well as honey, and represents the sweetest of the simple sugars. The line for sugars includes both added and natural sugars. Naturally occurring sugars are found in milk lactose and fruit fructose. Any product that contains milk such as yogurt, milk or cream or fruit fresh, dried contains some natural sugars. Natural vs Processed Sugars. Before anyone ever knows anything else about being healthy, we all learn one thing first sugar is bad for you. Wether its your grandma telling you it will rot your teeth as you chew your giant lollipop or your mother taking your Halloween candy, its one of our most taught lessons and yet one we certainly never embrace. Most of us dont have emergency preparedness kits for when disaster strikes or even a flashlight sometimes, but theres certainly an emergency stash of chocolate somewhere in the house. Because you never know when a sugar emergency will strike, right Sugar has been linked to dental corrosion your grandma was right, diabetes and even cancer. But ironically, our entire body relies on sugar. Carbohydrates supply the much needed energy your bodys vital functions. Chunky Salsa Recipe on this page. Think of it kind off as gas for your car. As there are different kinds of gas, there are also different types of sugars. Each one is treated and behaves differently within your body. Natural Sugars. So what exactly are considered natural sugars Natural sugars are sugars that are found, well naturally. This includes fruits, veggies, and honey. Glucose refers to simple sugars, found in all foods that have carbohydrates. Natural Sugars' title='Natural Sugars' />I understand that a lot of people are only now beginning their journey of understanding the role of sugar in. Before anyone ever knows anything else about being healthy, we all learn one thing first sugar is bad for you. Wether its your grandma telling you it will rot. A nutrition expert explains the possible health benefits of natural sugars. Get brief definitions of the varieties of natural sugar, find out if natural sugar really. The fructose in fruit has a natural advantage over table sugar because fruit contains so many vitamins, minerals and nutrients. According to the USDA, the nutrients in fruit can help reduce the risks of heart attack, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and other diseases. Glucose can be found in mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, etc. Glucose is vital to life and is in every single living molecule. It is also produced by your body and easily broken down by every cell in your body. Fructose another simple sugar, its also referred to as fruit sugar, because its main source is fruits and also honey. Fructose is a bit harder to break down, as only your liver breaks down significant portions of it. Refined or Processed Sugars. Processed sugars are natural sugars that are modified, combined and processed by us to make something with regular flavor and texture, such as white sugar. Sucrose combines half glucose and half fructose to become a complex sugar. Typically its extracted from sugar beet plans or sugar cane to make your typical table sugar. Other Types High fructose corn syrup, agave syrup, molasses etc. Whats the Difference You cant really pit the two groups against each other as it would be sometimes literally comparing apples to apple juice. The main difference between natural and processed sugars is how each one delivers glucose and fructose. For example, fruits are not just fructose in different shapes. They also contain a pile of nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. Whereas your typical table sugar doesnt. Having this full package allows to your body to slow down the absorption of fructose. Its also much harder to overdose on fructose in 1. When you pour too much gas in your car, it spills over and out of the gas tank. When your body gets overloaded with fruit sugar, the liver cant use it all and it gets stored as fat. Over time, this can have serious implications for your health. As for glucose, your body loves it and digests it with ease. However, unlike fructose, glucose effects your blood sugar levels. Too much glucose and your body sends out a distress signal and your pancreas may overproduce insulin and actually cause low sugar levels. This is why after eating a lot of candy or sugar, you typically crash. Having too little glucose is not good either, as you are depriving the natural processes within your body of the energy it needs. Processed sugars combine these two and typically leave your body overwhelmed as most people fail to maintain the recommended levels. Just how much sugar do we eat In 1. American consumed 4. Today, thats equal to one can of soda. And today, Americans consume 7. Why is that Sugar is in almost every single processed food. The recommended amount is 3. Is Coconut Sugar a Better AlternativeSo given all these facts you may naturally wonder, is coconut sugar better than my regular table sugar In a way, yes, it can be. Coconut sugar, for example, has a lower glycemic index means it raises blood sugar slower. Coconut sugar may also contain nutrients, so it isnt the just plain combination of fructose and glucose. However, given all that, its not a miracle food. It still contains nearly the same amount of fructose, so it can still cause problems if not consumed in moderation. Sweetness in Moderation. So while wed like to say natural sugars are better than processed sugars, its not that simple. Fructose can be just as harmful by itself as it is when its combined into sucrose. What matters is intake, how much your body actually uses it and in what form its delivered. Its fair to say that too much of fructose, glucose or sucrose will result in health issues. Its best to avoid added sugars and forms of sugars like high fructose corn syrup and agave syrup. They deliver vast amounts of fructose and glucose at once and dont specify what ratio of glucose to fructose they use. To get the fuel that your body needs its best to get the purest and most simple form of carbohydrates and get it from fruits and vegetables. Not only it will prevent you overdosing on sugar but it will also deliver some other much needed nutrients. Also Read Natural vs Artificial Flavors.