Ingredient Information

Function

Sugar (sucrose) is used in most recipes as a sweetener. However, its function is not limited to its flavoring. Many recipes cannot use artificial sweeteners as substitutes for sugar because sugar also plays an important role in the structure of baked goods. Sugar products attract water. The structure of sucrose also allows it to crystallize more easily than other sugars; it is suitable for hard candies where a hard, rock-like structure is preferred.

Other Use and Industries

Though the majority of sugar is used in food products, some is used in cosmetics, detergents and in the pharmaceutical industry. There is an emerging application for its use as fuel.

Health Effects

Sugar is an essential nutrient and the main source of energy for our brains, however most Americans eat more refined sugar than is healthy. Refined sugar products are considered empty calories, energy that is not paired with any vitamins or minerals. In contrast, the same amount of sugar from a fruit source may provide just as much energy but also give many other much-needed nutrients. Excess sugar consumption is a leading cause of obesity, cavities and heart disease.

Though the media has focused on high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as the culprit for modern-day weight gain, it is almost indistinguishable from sugar in regards to its health effects and calories. Some companies are marketing products as healthy and all natural because they contain sugar instead of HFCS, but this is not a benefit, and should be ignored.

Excess sugar consumption should be avoided, especially in those who are diabetic. There is a misconception among some diabetic patients that a sugar-free product will not influence their blood sugar. These patients should check the nutrition facts label of their foods to check that the amount of total carbohydrates is below the level their doctor or dietitian has recommended for a single meal.

Excess sugar may also be a cause of high triglycerides and can contribute to heart disease. Those with pre-existing heart disease should try to limit refined sugar consumption and eat sugar in natural products like fruits.

Finally, pregnant women in have high nutrient needs. Excess weight gain, which often comes with excess refined sugar intake, can put the child at risk for premature delivery and birth complication,s and put the mother at risk for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Sugary products should be replaced with healthy alternatives that also contain high amounts of minerals and vitamins.

Origins

Sugar is produced from either sugar cane or sugar beets, which are crushed, juiced and processed into white, crystallized sugar.