Sugar is the generic name for sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates, many of which are used in food. Simple sugars, also called monosaccharides, include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Jan 6, 2022 · Too much added sugar can be one of the greatest threats to cardiovascular disease. Here's how to curb your sweet habit. Sugar has a bittersweet reputation when it comes to health. Sugar occurs naturally in all foods that contain carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, grains, and dairy.

Mar 15, 2025 · sugar, any of numerous sweet, colourless, water-soluble compounds present in the sap of seed plants and the milk of mammals and making up the simplest group of carbohydrates. The most common sugar is sucrose, a crystalline tabletop and industrial sweetener used in foods and beverages.

Dec 18, 2024 · Some people claim sugar is addictive, it could make you sick, or that sugar alternatives may help you lose weight. However, the research doesn't always support these myths. Learn more.

Dec 17, 2024 · Sugar – particularly added sugar – is in nearly all of our food. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, it’s important to know the benefits and consequences of all three kinds of sugar, and how we can adjust our relationship to them.

Sep 23, 2024 · Adults and young adults in the U.S. consume on average about 17 teaspoons of added sugar every day, more than 2 to 3 times the recommended daily allowance for men and women respectively. This adds up to around 60 pounds of added sugar consumed annually — that’s six,10-pound bowling balls.

Sugar substitutes taste sweet but don’t contain sugar. They have fewer calories than sugar, and some have no calories at all. Foods labeled “sugar-free,” “keto,” “low carb” or “diet” often contain sugar substitutes, which fall into three categories: artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols and …

Nov 6, 2024 · How Much Sugar Should You Eat Per Day? The amount of sugar that’s safe to eat per day may depend on several factors, such as total caloric intake, activity level, and health conditions like...

Apr 9, 2025 · As sugar is digested, the blood glucose level increases. To regulate it, the pancreas pumps out insulin, which lowers glucose in the blood. The more sugar consumed, the harder the pancreas has to work. Over time, this stresses the organ. When the pancreas can't produce enough insulin to manage blood sugar, or the body becomes resistant to ...

Sep 27, 2021 · This Harvard Medical School Guide will help you gain a deeper understanding of the different formsof sugar, what foods contain significant amounts of added sugar, how sugaris metabolized by the body, and the health risks it poses when consumed to excess.