What is table sugar commonly referred to as?

Table sugar is commonly referred to as sucrose. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of one glucose molecule and one fructose molecule, which is why it is often found in various plants and is extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets for use as table sugar. It plays a significant role in providing sweetness to foods and is utilized widely in both cooking and baking.

Fructose, glucose, and lactose are different types of sugars. Fructose is a monosaccharide found in many fruits, glucose is another monosaccharide that serves as a primary energy source for our body, and lactose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose, commonly found in milk. Understanding the distinctions among these sugars is essential for anyone studying nutrition, as it helps clarify how different sugars are metabolized in the body and their various sources in our diets.