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What is Sucrose?

Jessica Reed
Jessica Reed

Sucrose is the proper term used to describe sugar. Two simple sugars, glucose and fructose, are combined to form the complex carbohydrate known as sucrose. The complex carbohydrate sucrose is also a disaccharide, a fancy term simply meaning a carbohydrate made up of two monosaccharides, which in this case are glucose and fructose. Regardless of what it's called, sucrose is used to sweeten foods and give the consumer an energy boost.

The human body breaks down carbohydrates for energy, which all people need to keep functioning. The body must break down these carbohydrates into glucose, also known as blood sugar. The body absorbs the glucose found in foods and converts the other carbohydrates into glucose. When the body breaks down the complex carbohydrate sucrose, found in many foods, it absorbs the glucose and metabolizes the fructose, which can then be stored in the body. Sugar creates a quick energy boost because it is easily and quickly absorbed into the blood stream.

White sugar cubes.
White sugar cubes.

There are two main types of sugar: brown and white. White sugar is created from sugar cane or sugar beets. It can consist of only very fine crystals, average sized crystals, or be packed together into sugar cubes. Fine crystals are best for cooking because they dissolve the fastest and are easy to stir. Sugar cubes and sugar with average sized crystals are typically used at the dinner table when sugar is needed to add to a drink or sprinkle over a dessert.

Brown sugar.
Brown sugar.

Brown sugar is simply white sugar with a very small amount of molasses added. The only difference is the brown coloring and that the brown sugar may feel more moist than white sugar. Brown sugar can be substituted in the place of white sugar when cooking. There is a form of brown sugar that differs slightly from white sugar which is known as natural brown sugar. It is made from raw sugar and naturally has a brown color, instead of getting its color from molasses.

White sugar can be created from sugar beets.
White sugar can be created from sugar beets.

Many have heard that sugar can lead to cavities in the teeth. While the sugar itself doesn't cause cavities, not brushing after eating sugar or other foods can. A child with cavities may be consuming a lot of sugar and not brushing his teeth on a regular basis. Other effects of sugar on the body are currently being studied. Though it is still under research, many studies are showing that sugar may not have a significant effect in how hyper children are as once was believed.

Discussion Comments

anon320433

Sugar is bad news for humans. Many illnesses are caused through consumption of refined sugars. Cancer is one of the diseases that feeds on sugars.

anon161702

Can you show a diagram indicating the electron configuration?

Meir

No! Sucrose is polar water soluble molecule. it will not pass through lipophilic (oily) skin.

anon133785

if there is sucrose in liquid soap will that affect my glucose levels?

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    • White sugar cubes.
      White sugar cubes.
    • Brown sugar.
      By: HLPhoto
      Brown sugar.
    • White sugar can be created from sugar beets.
      By: Luis Carlos Jiménez
      White sugar can be created from sugar beets.
    • Fructose -- or fruit sugar -- when combined with glucose forms sucrose, or sugar.
      By: baibaz
      Fructose -- or fruit sugar -- when combined with glucose forms sucrose, or sugar.
    • It's important to brush one's teeth after eating sugar to help avoid cavities.
      By: Alliance
      It's important to brush one's teeth after eating sugar to help avoid cavities.
    • Fructose has a lower glycemic index than sucrose, and is used by many diabetics as a sweetener.
      By: dalaprod
      Fructose has a lower glycemic index than sucrose, and is used by many diabetics as a sweetener.
    • A child with cavities may be consuming a significant amount of sugary substances and not brushing her teeth on a regular basis.
      By: famveldman
      A child with cavities may be consuming a significant amount of sugary substances and not brushing her teeth on a regular basis.