Sweet Death: How Sugar Affects the Body

What is sugar and why is it needed?

At the chemical level, the sugar powder we are used to is a combination of two molecules - fructose and glucose - that form sucrose. Brown sugar differs only in the addition of molasses, which gives it its color and light, peculiar flavor.

When sucrose enters the digestive tract, it immediately affects nearby tissues and organs. Once it enters the circulatory system, sugar is carried throughout the body, gaining access to cells and becoming a source of energy. For this purpose, glucose is the most important: almost 80% of our energy consumption is due to it.


Nutritionists often distinguish between good and bad sugar. Good sugar is fructose found in fruit and lactose, which we get from milk and, to a lesser extent, dairy products. When you eat the right products, you get unprocessed and maximally useful sugar, as well as a huge amount of nutrients. But refined sugars, i.e. pure sugar from the store, as well as those found in juices, sodas, sweets, and processed foods, are considered to be harmful and cause many health problems.