About Sugar

SUGAR AND NUTRITION

Sugar Chemistry
Sucrose, commonly called sugar is a type of carbohydrate obtained principally from sugar cane.

All sugars have different sweetness and characteristics which in turn influence the unique taste and appeal of the foods in which they occur.

Sucrose is the most common sugar in our diet, occurring naturally in many foods and being an important ingredient in a variety of manufactured foods, where it contributes essential textural and keeping qualities as well as enhancing taste and appeal.  It is important to note that our bodies are unable to distinguish between naturally occurring and added sugars in foods, using both as energy sources.

All carbohydrates are compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, forming basic simple sugar arranged as chains of simple sugar units, which in turn are arranged in chains or groups to make a range of starches and sugars.  Sucrose has the chemical formula C12 H22O11.

All carbohydrates are originally formed by the process of photosynthesis.  The energy of sunlight, transformed into chemical energy by the chlorophyll in green plants, forms plant sugars from water and atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Plants such as sugar cane make carbohydrates (sucrose) as a means of storing energy.  Sugar cane contains about 15 percent sucrose (by mass) which is extracted through milling and refining processes.

TYPES OF REFINED SUGARS

SUGAR TYPE

COMPOSITION 

REMARKS

White

99.9% sucrose

· One of the purest know foods
· Indefinite shelf life

Raw

99.2% sucrose

·Straw-coloured crystals
· Virtually identical to white sugar

Coffee

99.2% sucrose

· Larger amber crystals
· Special flavour preferred with coffee

Brown

85-90% sucrose,variable amounts of glucose and fructose

· Has a caramel flavour
· Adds moistness to baking

Sugars and Health
Sugar (sucrose) is one of a wide variety of carbohydrates in our diets which provide energy for all body cells.
Sugar does not cause heart disease, diabetes, cancer or behavioural problems, is no more than one factor in the development of dental cavities, not does it have any special role in the development of obesity, or compromise nutrient intake.

Nutritional science over the past two decades has clearly and consistently proven that previously held concerns about sugar and health are unfounded. This is reflected in the findings from a number of major reports on sugar and health in recent years.

The reports are:

  • United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) Sugars Task Force in 1986
  • Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA UK) panel and Dietary Sugars and Human Disease in 1989
  • International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI).  Proceedings from the international workshop on “The Nutritional and Health   Aspects of Sugars”  Washington, DC,  1994.
  • Australian Dietary Guidelines background scientific paper on sugars in 1992
  • American Dietetic Association (ADA) Position Paper on the use of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners in 1993.

 All reports acknowledge that dental cavities are caused by a number of factors and there is now consensus that all fermentable carbohydrates (all sugars, both naturally occurring in foods and added to foods and cooked starches) have the potential to cause dental cavities.

Recommendations now are for regular brushing of teeth with fluoride toothpaste and a reduced frequency of eating and drinking all types of carbohydrates.

Australian Dietary Guidelines
The revised 1992 Dietary Guidelines for Australians state:
Eat only a moderate amount of sugars and foods containing added sugars.

This guidelines is more positive in its message than the previous guideline which reflects current scientific research findings on sugar and health. These findings have disproved many of the health concerns surrounding sugar eg hyperactivity, diabetes and cancer.

The dietary guidelines are now listed in descending order or priority and the guideline on sugar is sixth priority in the list of eight guidelines.  The recently released Dietary Guidelines for Children 1995 recommends the same guideline on sugars.  The scientific background paper concludes that sugars, both naturally occurring and added, play an important role in the diet of children by facilitating intake of many nutritious foods such as milks, yoghurts and breakfast cereals.

These dietary guidelines confirm the sugar industry’s position that current sugar consumption levels are moderate and are compatible with good health.

Therefore, sugar can be included in moderation as part of a well-balanced nutritious diet.