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What Are Sugar Solids?

Sugar is a natural carbohydrate found in sugarcane and sugar beets. In its solid form, it is comprised of sucrose, fructose and glucose. According to the National Starch Institute, sugar serves as a bulking agent in foods, such as baked goods and ice cream, and as a preservative in fruits, jellies and jams. Sucrose, fructose and glucose, all sugar solids derived from table sugar, have different effects on the body and our health.

  1. Sucrose

    • Sugar is nearly 100 percent sucrose. Sucrose is the combination of fructose and glucose together and composed of 50 percent fructose and 50 percent glucose. Your body does not process sucrose alone, but when mixed with an acidic ingredient, such as lemon or orange juice, sucrose becomes fructose and glucose. Sucrose is found in raw sugar, confectioners sugar, granulated sugar and brown sugar.

    Fructose

    • Fructose is the sweetest component of sugar. Examples of fructose are naturally occurring sugars found in vegetables, honey, fruits and fruit juices, such as bananas, peaches, pineapples, grapes, pears, strawberries, oranges and dates. Fructose is most commonly used in high fructose corn syrup and is made by breaking down starches from corn and converting the glucose into fructose using special chemical reactions. High fructose corn syrup has become the standard sweetener in a variety of foods and drinks, such as maple syrup, molasses, carbonated soft drinks, sweetened teas and sports drinks.

    Glucose

    • Glucose, also known as dextrose, is the simplest form of carbohydrate, and important because it is used by the body as a source of fuel. Glucose is the sugar measured in your blood during a fasting blood glucose test, resulting in the term, blood sugar. It is present in every cell in your body so it is immediately available for energy. Glucose is easily digestible and often used by athletes in sports powders mixed with water for instant energy.

    Health Implications

    • Other than the immediate and instant energy glucose provides, sugar alone offers no particular nutritional value to the body. According to the "Journal of Clinical Investigation," over-consumption of foods high in sugar has been linked to the development of heart disease and diabetes, and an increased risk of obesity. Being aware of the types of foods high in sugar enables you to take control of your health and become an educated consumer.

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