Fructose vs. glucose: Why fructose is worse, says Ukrainian dietitian
Photo: The Difference Between Fructose and Glucose (Freepik)
During the fruit and berry season, many people tend to indulge in their favorite fruits, believing they are exclusively beneficial. However, Ukrainian gastroenterologist and dietitian, Professor Halyna Anokhina, warns in an interview with RBС-Ukraine that excessive consumption of fruits can seriously harm health, primarily due to their high fructose content.
Is fructose beneficial?
Fructose is not as healthy as many think. It is worse than glucose, asserts the doctor.
She explains that when fructose enters the body, it does not turn into energy but into fat, which can accumulate in the liver. This poses a risk of developing fatty liver infiltration, a dangerous condition that often shows no symptoms but gradually damages the organ.
Moreover, the brain cannot "use" fructose as it does glucose. Fructose cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier, but glucose can. As a result, the brain does not receive the necessary energy source, and the feeling of fullness can be misleading.
Glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) and the primary source of energy for the body. It is found in many foods, such as fruits and honey, and is formed during the breakdown of complex carbohydrates. Glucose is also known as grape sugar or dextrose.
Fructose, or fruit sugar, is also a simple sugar (monosaccharide) found in many fruits, honey, and some vegetables. It is one of the sweetest types of sugar and is widely used as a sweetener in the food industry.
Fermentation of fructose in the intestines
Another important point is the fermentation of fructose in the intestines. It can synthesize up to 40g of ethanol per day, which is equivalent to 140g of vodka. This is why children who consume a lot of sweet fruits may complain of bloating, fatigue, or even changes in behavior.
It is especially important to be cautious with fruits that contain a lot of fructose, such as grapes, bananas, persimmons, and apples. On the other hand, berries contain less fructose and are safer in moderate amounts. For example, a handful of blueberries or raspberries won't cause harm.
What does excessive fruit consumption pose as a risk?
Consuming fruits "by the kilogram" can lead not only to digestive problems but also to fructose dependency, emphasizes Anokhina.
A person gets used to the sweet effects and starts consuming them excessively, which worsens the situation.
When it comes to fruits, one should eat as much as the digestive system can comfortably handle. If bloating, discomfort, or gas occurs, it's a sign to stop.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
