What is sugar?

Sugars are a type of simple carbohydrate that provide energy to the body. They occur naturally in foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy, and are also added to many processed foods. Chemically, sugars include monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose, and disaccharides like sucrose and lactose. While sugars are an important energy source, consuming too much added sugar can lead to health issues such as obesity and diabetes.