Sugar is neither an acid nor a base. It is a neutral substance, meaning it does not exhibit acidic or basic properties. Sugar, or glucose, does not release hydrogen ions (H+) or hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution, which are the defining characteristics of acids and bases, respectively.
This means sugar won't turn litmus paper red (indicating acidity) or blue (indicating alkalinity). While some sources claim sugar makes your body acidic, this is a simplification. Sugar's effect on your body's pH is more complex and involves metabolic processes, not just the sugar itself.
Examples:
- Pure sugar (glucose) has a pH of 7, which is neutral.
- Acids have a pH lower than 7, while bases have a pH higher than 7.
