Functions of Sugar in Food

Posted :

Oct 2, 2025

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We learned about the functions of sugar in food and how it affects different traits of food including but not limited to taste, texture, and shelf-stability.

Between 2017-2018, CDC found the average intake of added sugars for persons ages 2 to 19 years were 17-teaspoons per day (~408 calories); this average was the same for adults 20 years or older.

If we break the amount of added sugar consumed from food, studies show –

· The largest source of added sugar consumption comes from sugar-sweetened beverages such as juice, soda pop, energy drinks, and coffee

· Breakfast cereals contributes < 5% of added sugars to American diets; however, in 2014 it was found to be the fifth highest source of added sugars in diets of children under 8 years.

· Dietary cholesterol was thought to be the perpetrator of high triglyceride levels; however, added sugars is the largest contributor to high triglyceride levels. Liver converts excess sugar into triglycerides via lipogenesis.

Answer the following questions; there are no right or wrong answers here –

1. Should added sugars be regulated in our food supply? If so, what are some ideas to regulate added sugars?

2. Who should be responsible for the cost of care to treat chronic disease due to complications associated from consuming too much added sugar? Is it the consumers, the food industry, or both?

3. Are there benefits of foods with added sugars for specific populations or disease states?

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Here’s a clear, step-by-step approach to help you structure and write your paper:

Step 1: Read the Instructions Carefully

This assignment is asking you to:

Reflect on whether added sugars should be regulated and how.
Discuss who should bear the responsibility for healthcare costs related to sugar overconsumption.
Explore potential benefits of added sugars for certain populations or health conditions.

There are no right or wrong answers, so focus on reasoning, evidence, and clarity.

Step 2: Structure Your Paper

Introduction (1 paragraph)

Briefly introduce the topic of added sugars in the food supply.
Mention why this is important (link to health, obesity, chronic disease, etc.).
End with a short preview of the three questions you’ll answer.

Example:
“Added sugars influence health outcomes in significant ways, impacting chronic disease rates and healthcare costs. This paper will explore whether added sugars should be regulated, who should be responsible for the costs of sugar-related illnesses, and whether any benefits exist for specific populations.”

Body Paragraphs

Question 1: Regulation of Added Sugars (1–2 paragraphs)

Discuss whether sugar should be regulated.
Possible ideas: government-imposed sugar taxes, stricter labeling, limiting sugar in school meals, or setting FDA limits.
Provide reasoning (e.g., high sugar intake linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease).
Support with CDC or WHO guidelines.

Question 2: Responsibility for Costs (1–2 paragraphs)

Discuss whether consumers, the food industry, or both should be responsible.
Option 1: Consumers—because of personal choice.
Option 2: Industry—because of marketing unhealthy products.
Option 3: Both—shared responsibility.
Use examples like soda taxes funding healthcare initiatives.

Question 3: Benefits of Added Sugars (1–2 paragraphs)

Mention when added sugars may be useful:
- Athletes (quick energy replenishment).
- Hypoglycemia patients (fast sugar boosts).
- Medical nutrition (e.g., oral rehydration solutions).
Emphasize moderation and context.

Conclusion (1 paragraph)

Summarize your key points.
Reinforce the idea that added sugar is complex—both harmful in excess and occasionally beneficial.
End with a reflection on balance and public health policy.

Step 3: Writing Tips

Keep paragraphs focused on one main idea.
Use evidence: cite CDC, WHO, or peer-reviewed articles.
Avoid casual language—write in a professional, reflective tone.
Proofread with Grammarly to ensure clarity and correctness.

Remember! It’s just a sample. Our professional writers will write a unique paper for you.

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