Nutritionists have been telling us for years that sugars are not all the same but no one could explain how or why, Now they know.
Glucose and fructose are both simple sugars. both found in fruit. While they have the same number of calories, the way they are processed by the body is different. Glucose is absorbd directly into the blood steram and produces energy. The body reacts to glucose in the blood stream by producing insulin which makes the person feel full. Fructose is processed by the liver. Fructose does not stimulate insulin production and without it we do not feel satisfied or full. Fructose also stimulates certain areas of the brain associated with reward processing. That's why we crave high calorie foods like candy, cookies or pizzza.
And the worst part of the story is that manufacturers use fructose to sweeten commerical products, in particular soft drinks and many convenience foods. Should we just give up and stop trying? It seems as if the system is agaisnt us. Unfortunately researchers suggest we limit fruit and other sources of dietary sucrose. Dr. Kathleen Page, lead researacher, explained all of this to The Week who just ran a long article dealing with sucrose, another sugar form.
(This is a summary of the Week article.)
Glucose and fructose are both simple sugars. both found in fruit. While they have the same number of calories, the way they are processed by the body is different. Glucose is absorbd directly into the blood steram and produces energy. The body reacts to glucose in the blood stream by producing insulin which makes the person feel full. Fructose is processed by the liver. Fructose does not stimulate insulin production and without it we do not feel satisfied or full. Fructose also stimulates certain areas of the brain associated with reward processing. That's why we crave high calorie foods like candy, cookies or pizzza.
And the worst part of the story is that manufacturers use fructose to sweeten commerical products, in particular soft drinks and many convenience foods. Should we just give up and stop trying? It seems as if the system is agaisnt us. Unfortunately researchers suggest we limit fruit and other sources of dietary sucrose. Dr. Kathleen Page, lead researacher, explained all of this to The Week who just ran a long article dealing with sucrose, another sugar form.
(This is a summary of the Week article.)
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