No, sugar itself does not chemically reduce acidity or change pH. However, sugar can mask or balance the perception of acidity, making a food taste less acidic. This is a crucial distinction.
How Sugar Affects Acidity Perception
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In cooking: Adding sugar to tomato sauce, for example, doesn't neutralize the acid but modifies its taste. The sweetness counteracts the sourness, resulting in a more balanced flavor profile. [Source: Taste of Home, Reddit AskRedditFood]
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Sensory experience: The sweetness of sugar can overpower the tartness of acidic foods, altering the overall sensory experience, but not the chemical composition. [Source: Cooking Stack Exchange]
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Practical application: While not a chemical neutralization, this effect is practically useful in cooking to improve the taste of dishes. [Source: Cooking Stack Exchange]
Sugar and Acid Reflux
The relationship between sugar and acid reflux is complex and doesn't involve a direct reduction of stomach acid.
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Negative correlation: Studies show a link between high-sugar diets and increased frequency and severity of acid reflux symptoms. [Source: Medical News Today, Healthline]
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Indirect effect: Sugar is often found in foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux, but it's not the primary culprit. [Source: Healthline]
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Important note: Sugar doesn't reduce stomach acid; it's associated with worsening acid reflux symptoms. [Source: Medical News Today]
Conclusion
While sugar doesn't chemically reduce acidity, it can modify the taste of acidic foods by counteracting the sourness. This effect is primarily sensory, not a chemical reaction. High sugar intake, however, is linked to increased acid reflux.
