hedelmäsokerista

Hedelmäsokeri, also known as fructose, is a simple sugar found naturally in fruits, honey, and some vegetables. It is one of the three monosaccharides, along with glucose and galactose, that are important carbohydrates. Fructose is sweeter than glucose and is absorbed and metabolized differently by the body. It is a key component of sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, which is made up of one glucose molecule and one fructose molecule.

In the food industry, fructose is often used as a sweetener due to its high sweetness and solubility. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a liquid sweetener made from corn starch, is a common source of fructose in many processed foods and beverages. The human body primarily metabolizes fructose in the liver. Unlike glucose, fructose does not directly stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas.

While fructose is a natural component of a healthy diet, excessive consumption, particularly from processed foods and sugary drinks, has been linked to various health concerns. These include increased risk of weight gain, fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. The body's ability to process large amounts of fructose efficiently is limited, and excess fructose can be converted into fat. Therefore, moderation in the consumption of fructose-rich foods and beverages is generally recommended as part of a balanced diet.