Fruit-based Sugar Healthier Than “Table Sugars”: Aussie Research

Fructose, the type of sugar found in fruits, honey and some vegetables, has been found to be a healthier option than everyday “table sugars“, such as sucrose and glucose, according to Australian researchers.

In a study published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers from the University of Canberra discovered that blood glucose levels and insulin levels were found to be lower after test subjects consumed fructose compared to other sugars.

Speaking to Xinhua on Thursday, co-author Dr. Kerry Mills said fructose must be processed by one’s liver before it contributes to blood sugar levels, meaning the risk of developing diabetes is lower compared to when someone consumes sugar in other forms.

Fructose has a different chemical structure compared to other sugars like glucose and sucrose, so what has to happen is that fructose needs to be converted into glucose before it can enter the bloodstream, she said.

That takes time, and that is why the release of sugar from fructose into the blood is much slower and does not cause the sudden spike in blood sugar levels like when one consumes sucrose or glucose.

In a statement that accompanied the study, Mills said a spike in blood sugar levels is a major risk factor for diabetes.

“Because the conversion (of fructose) takes time, it is impossible for the body to receive the near-instant sugar hit we get from sucrose or glucose. This reduces blood glucose levels, which is particularly important for people with diabetes, who must monitor and control these levels,” she said.

“Our study of long-term effects of swapping types of sugar also found a reduction in blood glucose levels, although the difference was not as dramatic over time.”

While the study seems to have uncovered the healthier option in terms of sugar intake, Mills stressed that fructose should not be championed as a health food of sorts.

High sugar intakes can lead to health problems and everyone should be trying to cut out sweet treats. But if sugar consumption cannot be avoided, it is probably better to choose products with fructose over other types of sugar, she said. (Xinhua)