Sugar

Sugar refers to a class of sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates. These molecules provide energy to many living things. Most sugars are found within the tissues of plants.

Humans use these substances in many ways. We use them to sweeten beverages like coffee or tea. We also add them to prepared foods like cookies and cakes. Because they are so versatile, they are a massive global commodity.

Chemically, sugars are categorized by their molecular weight. The simplest form is the monosaccharide, or simple sugar. Common monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Glucose is a primary product of photosynthesis in plants. It is also the main sugar transported in animal bloodstreams. Fructose is often called fruit sugar because it occurs in honey and fruits.

Galactose is less sweet than glucose. It is usually found as a part of a larger molecule rather than alone.

Compound sugars are known as disaccharides. These molecules are made of two bonded monosaccharides. They form through a process called condensation. During this process, two molecules join and expel a molecule of water.

Sucrose is a common disaccharide made of glucose and fructose. It is the primary component of white table sugar. Another example is lactose, which is the sugar found in milk. Lactose is formed by combining galactose and glucose. Maltose is another disaccharide made of two glucose molecules. It is often produced by malting grains like barley.

Sugar production often begins with the extraction of sucrose from plants. Sugarcane and sugar beet are the most efficient sources for commercial refining.

Sugarcane is a giant grass that grows in tropical climates. It requires a frost-free environment and plenty of rainfall. To make sugar, the cane is harvested by hand or machine. The stalks are chopped and sent to a sugar mill. At the mill, the juice is extracted through milling or diffusion. This juice is then clarified with lime and heated. Finally, the liquid is boiled until it becomes a thick syrup.

History shows how sugar spread across the globe. Sugarcane production likely originated in the Indian subcontinent. Chinese manuscripts from the 8th century BCE mention its use.

In the mid-15th century, sugar production moved to the Canary Islands and Madeira. Christopher Columbus introduced sugar to the New World. This led to large industries in Cuba and Jamaica by the 1520s. Later, the Portuguese brought sugarcane to Brazil. In 1801, a German invention allowed for the industrial production of beet sugar. By the 19th century, sugar had become a common household item.

Global production of sugar is massive. In 2022–23, world production reached 186 million tonnes.

Sugarcane is a major part of this, accounting for about 21% of global crop production from 2000 to 2021. Brazil is a leading producer, making 38% of the world's sugarcane. India follows with 23%. Different types of sugar are available for different uses. You might see white refined sugar or brown sugar.

There is also jaggery, which is a coarse brown sugar made from sugarcane or date palm sap.

While sugar is useful, its consumption is a major health topic. The use of added sugar in processed foods can lead to high calorie intake. This is associated with risks like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders.

To help, the World Health Organization has provided specific recommendations. In 2015, they advised that adults and children reduce free sugar intake. They suggest keeping it below 10% of total energy intake. They even encourage reducing it to below 5%. Understanding these different types and amounts helps us manage our health.