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 sugarsSugar is a substance represented as a simple carbohydrate (a basic type of molecule made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) that serves as a vital component throughout the body. It is the primary source of energy for most cells, acting like the body’s main fuel. Every part of the body,… Read More.
• Your body processes fructose differently than other sugars, like glucoseGlucose, a simple sugar (a sweet substance the body uses for energy), serves as a vital component in the human body, acting as the primary fuel for cells (tiny units that make up the body). Imagine the body as a bustling factory, where glucose is like the electricity powering the… Read More.

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.

EtymologyEtymology is the study of the origin and history of words. It’s like detective work, tracing how words have changed over time and moved between languages. Think of it like this: • Words have a long history, just like old family stories. • Etymology digs into those stories to see… Read More:

The word “fructose” comes from the Latin word “fructus,” meaning “fruit.” This makes sense, as fruits are the primary natural source of fructose.