Natural Sugars

Definition

Natural sugars are sugars that are found naturally in foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, as opposed to added sugars that manufacturers include during food processing.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Natural sugars refer to simple carbohydrates naturally present in whole foods, including fructose found in fruit, lactose found in dairy, and galactose found in certain vegetable sources. These sugars are digested and metabolized by the body as part of a natural food product, often accompanied by fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Benefits

• Provide a stable source of energy
• Accompanied by essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals
• Help maintain optimal blood sugar levels when consumed as part of whole foods

Examples

• Fruits like apples and bananas contain fructose
• Milk and yogurt contain lactose
• Vegetables like tomatoes and sweet potatoes contain various natural sugars

Additional Information

• Importance: Consuming natural sugars as part of whole foods is important for a balanced diet. Unlike added sugars, natural sugars are often accompanied by other nutrients that help your body metabolize them effectively.

Related Terms

• Added Sugars
• Fructose
• Lactose
• Carbohydrates

References

• Understanding Sugars and Your Body
• Natural and Added Sugars: How to Tell the Difference