Difference between revisions of "Table sugar"
(provides approximately 110 calories per ounce, same as any other carbohydrate) |
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Sugar is sweet because it contains sucrose (C<sub>12</sub>H<sub>22</sub>O<sub>11</sub>), which is a solid white [[disaccharide]] that alters the [[flavor]] of foods. | Sugar is sweet because it contains sucrose (C<sub>12</sub>H<sub>22</sub>O<sub>11</sub>), which is a solid white [[disaccharide]] that alters the [[flavor]] of foods. | ||
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Sucrose is a [[carbohydrate]]<ref>[http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/carbohydrates-full-story/index.html Carbohydrates]</ref>. | Sucrose is a [[carbohydrate]]<ref>[http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/carbohydrates-full-story/index.html Carbohydrates]</ref>. | ||
Sucrose is broken down in the body into [[glucose]] and [[fructose]]. | Sucrose is broken down in the body into [[glucose]] and [[fructose]]. | ||
Revision as of 15:46, February 4, 2009
Sugar is a sweet ingredient added to foods such as cookies, cakes, and pastries. It comes from beets or sugarcane and is generally grown in tropical environments.
Sugar is sweet because it contains sucrose (C12H22O11), which is a solid white disaccharide that alters the flavor of foods. Sucrose is a carbohydrate[1]. Sucrose is broken down in the body into glucose and fructose. When digested, sugar provides approximately 110 calories per ounce (4 calories per gram).[2]
Many processed food products such as Twinkies, children's breakfast cereals, and candy bars contain large amounts of sugar. When consumed in large quantities, sugar is unhealthy, may lead to tooth decay, obesity, or diabetes.
Sugar plays an important role in the commerce of many countries, including Jamaica, Guatemala, and Bolivia.