Monosaccharides are also called simple sugars and are the common base unit of all carbohydrate molecules including disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are usually colourless, water-soluble, crystalline solids and some have a sweet taste.
Examples of monosaccharides
- Fructose (levulose)
- Glucose (dextrose)
- Galactose
- Maltose
- Sucrose
Glucose is very important for animals and humans’ physiology as it is the form of sugar that is used by the body for energy. All carbohydrates are converted into glucose in the digestive system. Glucose is also found in many types of vegetation including beetroot, onions and ripe fruits.
Too much sugar in the diet is detrimental to the health as it can lead to diabetes, liver damage, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, tooth decay and bacterial, fungal, viral and yeast infections.
The two main categories of sugars are monosaccharides and disaccharides.
Monosaccharides
Fructose is also known as fruit sugar and is found in ripe fruits and honey.
Galactose is found in mammalian milk.
Disaccharides
Lactose is composed of one glucose molecule and one galactose molecule and is found in mammalian milk and dairy products.
Maltose, also known as malt sugar, consists of two glucose molecules joined together and is found in cereals such as barley.
Sucrose consists of one glucose molecule and one fructose molecule and is found in sugar beet, sugar cane and many fruits and vegetables.
Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Diabetes
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Liver disorders
- Obesity
- Sugar dangers
- Teeth and gum disorders
- Virus infections
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