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Fructose
01
a natural sugar found in fruits and honey, often used to sweeten foods and drinks
What is "fructose"?
Fructose is a type of sugar, classified as a monosaccharide, that is naturally found in fruits, honey, and certain vegetables. It is known for its sweet taste and is often used as a sweetener in processed foods and beverages. When consumed, fructose is absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the liver, where it is processed and converted into glucose or stored as glycogen for energy. While fructose can provide energy like other sugars, excessive intake, particularly from added sugars in processed foods, has been associated with negative health effects, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Example
High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener derived from fructose.
Glucose and fructose are constitutional isomers, possessing the same molecular formula (C₆H₁₂O₆) but differing in their structural arrangements.
