Crystal Nelson
Glucose is considered the energy supplier for the brain and body. It should make you mentally fit and get athletes in shape. But is that true? Not quite, as our article tells you. Glucose also harbors dangers, because first and foremost it is what its name suggests: sugar.
How was glucose discovered?
Unlike many vitamins and other substances, glucose was discovered very early on. In 1747, Andreas Marggraf was able to isolate glucose from raisins, which directly gave the sugar its name. Its scientific name is glucose and, together with fructose and galactose, represents the most important simple sugar (monosaccharide) for our body. In addition to glucose, glucose was also called dextrose for a long time. However, this term is now obsolete.
What does glucose contain?
As a simple sugar, glucose is not only found in grapes. On the contrary, many foods contain glucose and can therefore score with the same positive effects. Above all, glucose is contained in fruit. Almost every fruit contains not only fructose but also an energy supplier. But glucose is also hidden in other foods, such as in
- honey
- peanut butter
- Muesli
- paprika
- Green beans
- radish
- Red cabbage
- Whole grain bread
- onions
Glucose effect
The effect of glucose should be well known. It is an important source of energy for our body. This can even be felt physically and mentally when ingested. Pupils and students in particular rely on glucose before exams and take it in the form of small plates or small drinks. The burst of energy may be short-lived, but it leads to even greater fatigue. This is due to a simple effect. Glucose causes the blood sugar level to rise. While this gives the brain a brief boost of energy, it also causes the pancreas to release insulin. As a result, the body breaks down the glucose just as quickly as it gets into the blood. This leads to a large loss of energy. You feel tired and listless.
If you want to stay mentally fit over a longer period, pure glucose is the worst possible choice. Experts, therefore, recommend one or two slices of wholemeal bread. Here the glucose must first be broken down. The blood sugar level does not rise as quickly, the body releases less insulin, and the brain stays productive longer.
Grape sugar taste
As a simple sugar, dextrose is not as sweet as its colleague fructose, but still sweet enough to serve as a sweetener. Other flavors such as lemon or raspberry are often added on their own. However, pure glucose is tasteless and just plain sweet.
