Simple sugars are a type of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are one of the three basic macronutrients — the other two being protein and fat.
Simple sugars are found naturally in fruits and milk, or they can be produced commercially and added to foods to sweeten, prevent spoilage, or improve structure and texture.
Monosaccharides are the simplest carbs, in that your body cannot break them down further.
This allows your body to absorb them quickly and easily, with the exception of fructose.
There are three types of monosaccharides (1Trusted Source):
Glucose: Fruits and vegetables are natural sources of glucose. It’s also commonly found in syrups, candy, honey, sports drinks, and desserts.
Fructose: The primary natural dietary source of fructose is fruit, which is why fructose is commonly referred to as fruit sugar.
Galactose: The main dietary source of galactose is lactose, the sugar in milk and milk products, such as cheese, butter, and yogurt.
