Every day, many substances that are responsible for maintaining one or another of its functions enter the human body. One of the most important components is galactose. It is a monosaccharide that breaks down into the body. As a result of galactose oxidation, metabolic processes are normalized, cells of liquid connective tissue are formed, and carbohydrates are burned. The substance enters the human body mainly with milk.
The concept
Galactose is a monosaccharide that is not indispensable. However, in the human body, it performs a number of important functions. In addition, galactose has been detected in nerve fibers and brain cells.
In total, three monosaccharides are found in nature. These are glucose, fructose and galactose. Each of them is a kind of "building material" for lactose - the carbohydrate that the body receives from milk.
Despite the fact that galactose belongs to the group of sugars, it is extremely rarely used as a sweetener. However, scientists are still debating about this situation. The fact is that galactose (both fructose and glucose) has a low glycemic index. According to studies, it is many times safer than regular sugar. Even people with diabetes can use it without fear for their health.
Biochemical characterization
The formula of galactose is C6H12O6. The monosaccharide contains 6 carbon, 12 hydrogen and 6 oxygen molecules.
Galactose is a crystalline white powder. It is very poorly soluble in ethanol, and in water - only at a temperature of +25 ° C. Melting starts at + 165-170 ° C.
1 gram of galactose contains only 4 kcal. The glycemic index of monosaccharide is 23 units. Thanks to these indicators, galactose is often called “smart sugar”. This is due to the fact that even a small amount of it provides a person with huge reserves of energy. In mammals, a substance is synthesized from lactose.
Functions
Galactose is a monosaccharide that enters into various reactions. When combined with glucose, it forms lactose. The result of interaction with lipids is glycolipids, including those molecules that are responsible for the formation of a blood group. When combined with proteins, glycoproteins are formed, which, in turn, are important for cell membranes.
The functions of galactose in the human body:
- prevents the development of diseases affecting the nervous system;
- normalizes the functioning of the digestive system;
- directly involved in the creation of cell membranes;
- has a beneficial effect on the state of the central nervous system;
- supports cell structure.
One of the biggest benefits of galactose is its low glycemic index. The substance provides the body with an enormous supply of energy, while the blood sugar level does not increase sharply, but gradually.
Sources
For the first time, a baby receives galactose with breast milk. During this period of life, it is necessary to strengthen the protective forces of the baby's body and provide it with energy.
Adults are also encouraged to include galactose-rich foods in their diets. These include:
- serum;
- milk;
- kefir;
- yogurt;
- fermented baked milk;
- yogurt;
- natural ice cream;
- cottage cheese;
- sour cream;
- cheese;
- celery;
- margarine;
- butter;
- milk chocolate;
- cream.
Galactose is especially useful for the following categories of individuals:
- regularly exposing the body to high-intensity physical activity;
- often under stress;
- suffering from diabetes;
- those whose daily activities are associated with increased mental stress;
- those who have violated the regime of work and rest.
Under these conditions, the body's need for galactose is extremely high. It decreases in old age, as well as in the presence of diseases of the intestines, heart and organs of the female reproductive system.
In some people, the monosaccharide is not absorbed by the body. In this case, it is customary to talk about galactosemia - a serious hereditary disease. People with this diagnosis are strictly forbidden to consume products containing monosaccharide. Ignoring this condition leads to cirrhosis of the liver and often to death.
Daily rate
The level of galactose is determined during the study of blood by laboratory methods. Normally, the amount of monosaccharide in the fluid connective tissue should be 5 mg / L. To maintain this indicator of galactose in the body, it is enough to consume celery and drink milk daily.
It is important to know that in products monosaccharide is practically not found in its pure form. It is necessary to study the list of components on the package. It must necessarily contain lactose.
Elevated and decreased galactose levels
The most common cases of galactosemia in medical practice. As mentioned above, this is a hereditary disease. It is diagnosed in children shortly after their birth.
Symptoms of pathology:
- rejection of mother's milk;
- gag reflex after receiving food;
- rejection of mixtures;
- frequent episodes of diarrhea;
- lethargy;
- signs of intoxication;
- flatulence (gas discharge is very frequent and noisy);
- persistent jaundice;
- areas with hemorrhages are noticeable on the skin.
If disturbing symptoms occur, consult a doctor. This is due to the fact that increased galactose is a danger not only to health but also to life. Once in the body, it does not break down. Monosaccharide accumulates in the blood and poisons the liver.
Reduced galactose is not a health condition. Monosaccharide is not indispensable, but it is still recommended to use it daily. This is especially true for athletes, diabetics and people who are regularly under stress. In such cases, daily intake of products with galactose will support the body. In other words, the use of monosaccharide is a good prevention of many diseases, especially affecting the nervous system.
Finally
Galactose is a substance that enters the human body primarily with milk. It is a monosaccharide and performs a number of essential functions. In particular, galactose supports cell structure. In addition, against the background of substance use, the likelihood of developing diseases of the nervous system is significantly reduced.
Monosaccharide is much healthier than regular sugar. Its glycemic index is only 23 units. In this regard, products with galactose are allowed to be consumed even by people suffering from diabetes.
In isolated cases, monosaccharide intolerance is diagnosed. Galactosemia is detected, as a rule, in childhood. The first alarming sign is the refusal of the infant both from breast milk and from mixtures.