Exercise: Types of Sugars and Effects on the Human Body
Situation
Sugars are simple carbohydrates that provide energy, but different types affect the body in distinct ways based on their chemical structure and how they are metabolized. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
...it's time i'm tired...
...but not then...
...what then...?...
...
...mmmmn...
Simple Sugars (Monosaccharides)
Glucose:
The main type of sugar in plant and animal blood, used by the body for immediate energy. A simple sugar (monosaccharide) that serves as the body's primary energy source. It enters the bloodstream directly and raises blood sugar, triggering insulin release from the pancreas to fuel cells. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Fructose: A very sweet natural sugar found in fruits, root vegetables, and honey. A simple sugar found in fruits and honey. It is processed mainly by the liver and does not trigger an immediate insulin response, but excess amounts convert into triglycerides and fat. [1, 2, 3]
Galactose: A simple sugar that binds with glucose to form the sugar in milk.
Double Sugar (Disaccharides)
Sucrose: Standard table sugar, made of one glucose and one fructose molecule bonded together.
Common table sugar (a disaccharide) made of 50% glucose and 50% fructose. It combines the quick blood-sugar spike of glucose with the liver-metabolized load of fructose. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Lactose: Dairy sugar found in milk, made of glucose and galactose. A disaccharide found in dairy products, made of glucose and galactose. It breaks down more slowly than table sugar. [1, 2]
Maltose: Malt sugar produced when grains or starches break down, made of two glucose molecules.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): A processed liquid blend of free glucose and fructose molecules derived from corn.
Effects on the Body
Energy and Metabolism:
Glucose fuels the brain and muscles. Frequent spikes from processed or free sugars tax the pancreas, which can lead to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes over time. [1, 2]
Liver and Fat Storage:
High intakes of fructose overwork the liver, contributing to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, high triglycerides, and visceral belly fat. [1, 2]
Dental Health: Free sugars (sugars separated from whole foods like fruit fiber) feed oral bacteria, which creates acids that lead to tooth decay. [1]
Natural vs. Added: Whole foods like fresh fruit contain natural sugars bound with fiber, which slows absorption and prevents sharp blood sugar spikes. Added sugars in processed foods and drinks lack fiber and nutrients, driving inflammation and weight gain more rapidly. Read more about health impacts from the NHS Sugar Guide. [1, 2, 3]
How much sugar can we eat?
- regulate a specific type of sugar in your diet
- spot hidden sugars in everyday foods
The government recommends that free sugars – sugars added to food or drinks, and sugars found naturally in honey, syrups, and unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies and purées – should not make up more than 5% of the energy (calories) you get from food and drink each day.
This means:
Adults should have no more than 30g of free sugars a day, (roughly equivalent to 7 sugar cubes).
source: https://www.nhs.uk
...that's low...!... ...is...
...do allow their higher...!.... ...do... ...!...ughh...!... ...who would correct that [ government advice ]...?... ...be their activist group... ...on food and nutrition... ...owhhh...
Several prominent individuals and grassroots coalitions in Great Britain drive major campaigns for food reform, childhood health, and nutrition equity: ...oh...!...
Key Activists & Campaigners
Anna Taylor (DBE): As the Executive Director of The Food Foundation, she is one of the UK’s most influential systemic food reformers. Her organization successfully pressured the government to officially track food insecurity and leads initiatives addressing child nutrition. [1, 2]
...she must be a real firebrand...!...
...is...
...and a bit... ... ...owhh... ...
Christina Adane: A prominent youth activist who, at age 17, launched a massive petition for free school holiday meals that garnered over 450,000 signatures, subsequently uniting with footballer Marcus Rashford to change UK policy. She currently advocates for youth nutrition via groups like Bite Back and the United Against Malnutrition & Hunger Global Leadership Council. [1, 2]
Henry Dimbleby: Co-founder of Leon Restaurants and author of the landmark, independent National Food Strategy commissioned by the UK government, which laid out a blueprint for a healthier, more sustainable UK food infrastructure. [1]
Jamie Oliver: The renowned chef who has spent decades campaigning for healthier school lunches, clearer product labeling, and bans on junk food advertising targeting children.
Leading National Coalitions & Movements
Bite Back: A youth-led activist movement explicitly challenging how unhealthy food is formulated, marketed, and sold to children. [1] ...what a name...!!... ...mmmn...
Sustain (The Alliance for Better Food and Farming): A powerful alliance that advocates for agricultural policies and systemic changes to support public health, including campaigns to lower the commercial determinants of poor nutrition. [1, 2] ...and do...
...in sustain...!... ...and [ in the same ]...!...
Children’s Right2Food: A nationwide youth ambassador network managed by The Food Foundation focused on eliminating the stigma of food poverty and securing a healthy start for every child. [1]
Feeding Britain: A national network functioning to alleviate hunger and the root causes of food insecurity through community-level partnerships. [1]
...oh then...
...we're on more than sugar...!... ...
...and in...!...
...and i...!... ... ...if we can... ...and regulate that...!...
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