Sugar Facts from The World Sugar Research Organisation (WSRO)
Sugar as a source of energy
Sugar
is an important source of food energy. During digestion, all food
carbohydrates (starches and sugars) break down into single molecule
sugars. These sugars are absorbed from the intestine into the blood
stream and travel to the cells, where they are used to provide energy
for cellular functions. In parts of the world where people suffer from
energy malnutrition and are undernourished, sugar is valued as an
inexpensive source of energy to support human activities.
Function of sugar in foods
Sugars
have a number of functions in the preparation of foods, such as
improving taste and texture. Important uses of sugars in food include:
- Serving as preservatives in jams
and jellies
- Increasing the boiling point or reduces
the freezing point of foods
- Allowing fermentation by yeast
- Reacting with amino acids to produce
colour and flavour compounds important to the taste and
golden brown colour of baked goods.
- Making foods that have limited moisture
content crisp
Medical uses of sugar
Table
sugar can be used to make oral rehydration solution (ORS), which can
help prevent dehydration in children who have infantile diarrhoea or
vomiting in developing countries. The effective use of ORS saves
millions of lives around the world each year. Although recipes for ORS
vary from country to country, one widely used recipe is made up of 1
litre of water, 8 teaspoons sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Sugar and fortification
Fortification
of foods with micronutrients is generally recognised as the most
cost-effective long-term strategy for eliminating micronutrient
malnutrition. It is also socially acceptable, requires none or little
change in food habits and characteristics, and provides a means for
reaching the greatest percentage of the population requiring the
micronutrients. Sugar is a safe and economical foodstuff that is
accepted and consumed by populations at risk including those who are
very poor. So fortified sugar can play a critical role in fighting
nutrient deficiency.
Sugar is used as a
vehicle for supplying vitamin A in a number of Central American
countries (Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador), in Zambia
and more recently in the Philippines. Pilot studies have also been
conducted in other developing countries such as India and Vietnam. The
consumption of fortified sugar has resulted in significant increases in
vitamin A intake and improvements in the vitamin A status of a surveyed
population in Guatemala. Vitamin A fortification can significantly
reduce the risk of a permanent form of child blindness and mortality
from severe infections in undernourished children.
Industrial uses of sugars
Sugars are also used in the production of surfactants, fabrics,
cement.
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KOHINOOR SUGAR MILLS LIMITED
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