Difference between Glucose and Fructose

Energy is a significant part of the human body. The human body requires proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, energy, etc., in the right amount. It is important to keep the body fit and healthy. Sometimes, the energy is generated from the body within. The body uses the food in the stomach and helps in generating proteins, sugar, carbohydrates, etc.

In order to keep the body healthy, it is important to eat food enriched with every nutrient like starch, sugar, fat, etc. So, today we are going to discuss about the two significant aspects of energy-related foods. They are glucose and fructose. They are generally present either in foods or separately. Let us discuss about them in detail.

Glucose vs Fructose

Glucose

Glucose is defined as the simple sugar considered as a source of energy in all organisms. Glucose can also be considered as syrup that comprises of other sugars. The other sugars include starch that is used in food industries. Glucose is a substitute for sugar. The molecular formula of glucose is C6H12O6. The foods that include glucose are rice, bread, pasta, potato, yogurt (these are carbohydrates); fish, meat, peanut butter (these are proteins), and avocado, olive oil (these are fats).

Glucose present in the human body is called blood sugar. This kind of glucose is found in our blood. Glucose comes into our bodies through the food we eat. Glucose is a prominent energy source in our body. Sometimes, when the blood sugar becomes high, the person suffers from diabetes. The glucose is different from sugar. Glucose is a monosaccharide that is made up of a single unit of sugar. Monosaccharides cannot be broken into simple compounds. That is why they are different from sugar.

Well, the normal blood sugar level in a person ranges from 90-100mg/dL. Fruits like grapes, mangoes, bananas, pears have high glucose. Glucose provides us energy to carry out the tasks efficiently.

Fructose

Fructose is defined as a ketonic sugar that is found in several plants. Fructose is also called as fruit sugar. Fructose is also a kind of monosaccharide. Fructose is directly absorbed into the blood at the time of digestion.

The term 'fructose' was coined by William Allen Miller in the year 1857. Fructose is found in honey, vine fruits, berries, flowers, etc.

Fructose is made from sugarcane, maize, and sugar beets. Apart from being the source of energy in the body, fructose has some harmful effects as well. For instance, fructose impairs the composition of the blood lipids in the body. Fructose is comparatively sweeter than glucose. Therefore, fructose is used as an added sugar in processed food items. Fruits like apples, cherries, and raisins are high in fructose. Fructose that is used in different food items comprises of 40% of honey.

Well, according to various clinical trials, a person must have 25-40g of fructose per day. The best sources of fructose are apple juice, honey, caramel, apples, agave syrup, etc. Fructose must be taken in the right amount because excessive fructose might be toxic for the liver. Excessive fructose leads to the creation of fat called lipogenesis. Therefore, fructose must be in the right amount in the body.

Now, there are certain differences between glucose and fructose. So, let us have a look at them.

S.NO.GLUCOSEFRUCTOSE
1.Glucose is defined as the simple sugar that is considered as a prominent energy source in all living organisms.On the other hand, fructose is defined as the ketonic sugar that is found in several plants.
2.Glucose is a type of sugar that is less sweet.Fructose is sweeter than glucose.
3.The normal blood sugar level in a person ranges from 90-100mg/dL.A person must have 25-40g of fructose per day.
4.Glucose is an energy source that helps in cellular respiration.Fructose is also an energy source that is used in various drinks and foods.
5.Glucose is produced through the process of photosynthesis.Fructose is produced through the breaking of glycogen.
6.Carbohydrates are a major source of glucose.Honey, berries, cherries, flowers, etc., are prominent sources of fructose.
7.The density of glucose is 1.54g/cm3.The density of fructose is 1.69g/cm3
8.The melting point of glucose is 146 degree Celsius.The melting point of fructose is 103 degree Celsius.
9.The CAS number of glucose is 50-99-7 Y.The CAS number of fructose is 57-48-7.
10.Glucose is also called grape sugar, dextrose, blood sugar, corn sugar, and D-Glucose.Fructose is also called fruit sugar, fructofuranose, D-Fructose, levulose, etc.
11.The glycemic index of glucose is high.The glycemic index of fructose is the lowest.
12.Glucose is less soluble in water.Fructose exhibits the highest solubility.

So, these are some of the contrasting points regarding glucose and fructose. Both these sugars are used for various purposes. They are a major energy source for the body.

Both glucose and fructose are present in the body. We take them in through processed foods, fruits, etc. Thus, glucose and fructose are significant aspects of energy-providing foods in the body.






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