Difference between Glucose and Fructose
In the field of health and nutrition, you hear a lot about glucose and fructose and the effects they have on the body. However, surely you still do not know what they are and how they differ specifically. In fact, many people mistake glucose for fructose, but they are not really the same. difference between glucose and fructose
First of all, it should be mentioned that both words refer to two different types of sugars , which despite having the same chemical formula, have a different molecular structure.
What is glucose? difference between glucose and fructose
Glucose is also known by a much more popular and colloquial name: blood sugar. Glucose is responsible for maintaining the optimal work of the body’s mechanisms, being the energy source of the body’s cells, since they need energy to activate and maintain vital functions such as respiration, heartbeat, digestion, etc.
Now, glucose is a sugar with a simple composition, of the monosaccharide type. This is found and enters through food. Its chemical formula for glucose is C₆H₁₂O ₆.
When the level of glucose in the body is optimal, often nothing is noticed. However, when it moves away from the recommended range, the unhealthy effect on the body can be perceived.
In more professional terms, glucose is a monosaccharide component of storage polysaccharides, as are starch and glycogen. In addition, it should be mentioned that it is also a structural part of plant walls (also known as cellulose).
What is fructose?
Fructose is a sugar present in all fruits, in most vegetables, and in substances such as honey. Like glucose, the chemical formula for fructose is C₆H₁₂O₆.
Fructose has been widely used as a substitute for glucose. It is even the sweetener of choice for people with diabetes, as this sugar provides almost the same amount of energy as its “counterpart.” In addition, it has also been used to create syrups and syrups.
On the other hand, it should be mentioned that fructose travels only through the “GLUT5” transporter. And because it is only used by cells known as adipocytes and hepatocytes, it contributes to the tendency to accumulate body fat. In addition to preventing the aorta artery from relaxing, which also increases cardiovascular risk.
Glucose vs fructose: differences
- Glucose has a considerably high glycemic index, while fructose has a low index.
- Glucose raises blood sugar levels quickly. For its part, fructose increases these levels gradually.
- In terms of absorption, glucose is absorbed through the lining of the small intestine; while fructose is in the bloodstream of the small intestine.