Sugar is a carbohydrate, and it is present in fruit, vegetables, sugarcane, and sugar beet plants.

Sugar is pure – it has no additives or preservatives.
Sugar is a source of energy and is converted into glucose just as sugar from fruit and vegetables is turned into glucose. There are many different types of sugars such as lactose, which is found in milk and dairy products, and maltose, found in malted drinks and beer.

South Africa produces high-quality sugar (sucrose), and you may find many types on your supermarket shelf. You may be most familiar with white and brown sugar.

Many people may believe that brown sugar is healthier, however nutritionally speaking, brown sugar and white sugar are not much different. Brown and white sugar may taste a little different, but they are both sucrose. Both have an energy content of 16.8kJ (4 calories) per gram and are processed by the body in the same way to become glucose.

You, Diet & Sugar

Healthy eating, or a balanced diet, means eating a variety of foods to supply nutrients our bodies need. All food groups should be included. Let’s look at the different foods within these food groups, to make up a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates, or starchy foods, are usually the staple foods for families in South Africa. They contribute most of our food energy. These foods are generally inexpensive and help to satisfy our appetite. Starchy foods include bread, rice, samp, porridge, cereals and pasta.