Fructose
Fructose is a type of sugar found naturally in fruits and some vegetables. It's also added to processed foods and drinks, contributing to its high consumption.
Think of it like this:
- Fructose is the sweetest of the naturally occurring sugars.
- Your body processes fructose differently than other sugars, like glucose.
Examples of where to find fructose:
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, grapes, mangoes, and pears
- Vegetables: Honey, some root vegetables like beets
- Processed foods: soda, juice drinks, candy, baked goods, and many condiments.
Etymology:
The word "fructose" comes from the Latin word "fructus," meaning "fruit." This makes sense, as fruits are the primary natural source of fructose.