Also known as fructose, fruit sugar is a simple sugar or monosaccharide that is found in many different kinds of ripe fruits. Different from glucose and sucrose, this sugar is extremely sweet and is often used in the preparation of commercial food products. Along with being found in a number of fruits, fructose is also present in honey and a select number or vegetables such as onions, parsnips, and sweet potatoes.
Considered to be the sweetest of all the naturally occurring carbohydrates, fruit sugar is a favorite with food manufacturers for two reasons. First, this natural sweetener is less expensive than refined sugar products, making it more cost effective. At the same time, sugar from fruit is so sweet that smaller amounts are required in order to achieve the same level of sweetness in a given recipe. This factor also makes it possible to producers of commercial foods to manufacture their products with a lower cost per finished unit.
While it is true this natural sugar tends to be sweeter than refined sugars, it is important to note that fruit sugar is no less dangerous for people who are diabetic or current diagnosed as being in a pre-diabetic state. Fructose will still cause blood sugar levels to peak. In some people, the rapid increase in levels is even more pronounced than with refined sugars. For this reason, it is important for people attempting to control diabetes with diet to monitor closely the amount of fruit sugar that is ingested during the course of the day. Using an up-to-date glycemic index will make it easier to monitor the amount of fructose absorbed from different fruits and vegetables.
Parents should be aware that excessive amounts of apple or pear juice could create health issues for their children. Because both types of juice are high in fruit sugar that is classified as free fructose, where less of the sugar is absorbed into the small intestine. Instead, the excess collects in the intestine and pulls water into the tract. The result of this action can lead to the development of diarrhea. While the nutrients found in these two juices is very important for normal growth, it is a good idea to include other sources of these essential nutrients in the daily diet as well.
Adults who frequently experience loose stool or frequent bouts with diarrhea may also want to monitor their selection of food items each day. The problems may be the result of consuming too much commercially prepared foods containing fruit sugar. Choosing to consume a more varied diet, as well as adding additional fiber to each meal, should correct the problems in a short period of time.