Galactose: A Fat Burning Sugar

by | Oct 17, 2024 | News

Galactose offers unexpected and highly beneficial properties that actively encourage the body to use fat. The fat-burning properties of galactose promote oxidation, which essentially ‘forces’ the cell powerhouses (mitochondria) to use fat and oxygen to make fuel.

This means that by just adding galactose to your food, it will push your body into fat burning mode.

Compared to classic sugars (like glucose or sucrose) galactose has a very different effect on the body:

  • Galactose does not cause a rise in insulin (it’s a non-insulin spiking sugar).
  • Galactose promotes lipolysis (the breakdown of fats so they can be used for fuel).
  • Galactose increases fat oxidation (the conversion of fat into energy).

 

Studying Galactose

The relationship between galactose and fat metabolism was first studied by the John Hopkins Medical School in 1948. Using rats, they demonstrated that supplementing the diet with galactose made the rats lose weight. More recently, a study involving obese women demonstrated that switching glucose for galactose (in meal replacement drinks containing the same amount of calories) had multiple metabolic effects:

  • Insulin levels went down – thereby also reducing appetite.
  • Free fatty acids (vital components of lipids and fats) went up. This indicates fats were being broken down to be used for fuel.
  • The rate of glucose production went down – it takes the body longer to convert galactose into glucose.
  • Fat oxidation rates went up – confirming fat was being used to generate energy.
  • Protein oxidation went down – demonstrating the body was not using muscle or tissues for energy.

Still Sweet, Yet A Very Different Effect

These results all point to the fact that it’s possible to ‘ramp up’ fat burning (and thereby weight-loss) with this completely natural sugar, which is only slightly different to glucose. Galactose is technically an ‘isomer’ of glucose – a bit like a mirror image, with just one oxygen-hydrogen group ‘twisted’ round on the 4th carbon atom. It’s pretty incredible that such a small ‘switch’ in the structure could make such a massive difference.

It’s the detailed structural differences between sugars that give them such a diverse range of properties. Glucose drives weight gain (via insulin) while galactose engages weight loss. Galactose and glucose share some properties, like their sweet taste, but the body treats them very differently.

Evolving Evidence

Galactose is metabolized (turned into energy) by cells in the liver and uses a dedicated process called the ‘Leloir pathway’. It also has a special relationship with the microbiome (the collection of microorganisms living in our gut). Studies suggest that galactose acts as a prebiotic (bacterial food) promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that can protect the gut.

When the gut bacteria are in balance it promotes healthy metabolism, improved weight management and a better mood. A balanced biome helps create a selection of beneficial neurotransmitters which help the brain think happy thoughts.

Multiple Beneficial Effects

Incorporating galactose into your diet can help support weight management and overall wellness. Galactose offers multiple health benefits by avoiding spikes in blood sugar levels and stabilizing energy levels.

But how can you switch to using galactose? Dr Johannes Coy, founder of Intelligent Sugar, has studied galactose and a range of natural healthy sugars. He developed a unique blend of natural sugars to provide sustained energy without damaging the body. These sugars, including galactose, are metabolized differently, avoiding the inflammatory blood-sugar ‘rollercoaster’ that causes anxiety, fatigue, and hunger.

Learn more about the benefits of galactose.