New research discovered that new sugar substitutes are found in citrus. The study could reduce sugar-related health risks and help food to beverages companies produce low-sugar products.
Based on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it said that lowering sugar consumption can lead to a healthy lifestyle.
Yu Wang revealed that they identified a natural source for an artificial sweetener (oxime V).
The study explained that finding natural and non-caloric sugar is not easy.
With the breakthrough, the result of the research was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. At the same time, it is also available to read at ScienceDaily.
Research findings
Citrusby PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images
Moreover, the study said there are eleven selected selections of the UF/IFAS citrus breeding for unique flavors. The cultivars include:
UF 914 (a grapefruit hybrid)
EV-2 and OLL-20 (both sweet oranges)
While there were also included in the projects: Sugar Belle®, Bingo, 13-51, 18A-4-46, 18A-9-39, 18A-10-38.
The researcher added that the findings could create more opportunities for citrus farmers to breed citrus for natural and new sugar substitutes.
Wang is an associate professor in food science at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
He supervised the project discovering new sweetener compounds in the 11 citrus cultivars.
On the other hand, the study stressed that consumers like sweet-taste orange juice or projects, but consuming sugary products raises concerns among them.
With the research, it can meet the point of taste of consumers while simultaneously avoiding health risks from added sugar and processed beverages.
There is no question that doctors, teachers, and parents warn that consuming excessive sugar can have detrimental effects on the body.
As a result, the new findings can help healthcare providers to reduce cases of sugar-related diseases and inspire food or beverage providers to avoid added sugar.
The research further explained that the decision to reduce sugar in food could sacrifice flavor and taste. Replacing it with non-caloric and artificial sweetener products can leave a bitter flavor.
Moreover, the report also added that the researchers tried to find sweetness-enhancers that help reduce the sugar content to achieve the same amount of taste or sweetness.
It revealed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only approved six synthetic and two natural sweeteners/sweetness enhancers for the food industry.
Sugar illness or diseases
CDC warned that continuous or frequent sugary beverages can cause health risks.
Some common diseases are type 2 diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and cavity, kidney problems, and heart disease.
Sugary beverages have added sugars, including raw sugar, maltose, syrup, fructose, brown sugar, glucose, and honey.
On the other hand, Harvard Health explained that added sugar is the most problematic that manufacturers add to products. Regular soda, sugary juices, energy drinks, and coffee are popular.
Harvard Health noted that excessive added sugar could impact heart health and a higher risk for heart disease.
Moreover, it is said that excessive sugar consumption can result in a spike in blood pressure.
The study also suggested taking note of sugar consumption in daily diet.
The research inspires other researchers to conduct the same study. The over-dependence on sugary products affects the body.
