Comparing the reducing sugars in avocados, soybeans, and cinnamon: A Benedict’s test experiment

America’s growing obesity rates are putting millions of individuals at risk for developing Type II diabetes, which increases the likelihood that these people will develop serious illnesses later in life. In the past few decades, studies have shown the importance of a diet rich in nutrients, low in fat, and low in calories in managing Type II diabetes. Since consumption of reducing sugars like glucose affects diabetes and blood glucose levels, this study aimed to test if Hass avocados (Persea americana), dried yellow soybeans (Glycine max), and Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) contain a low amount of reducing sugars. Benedict’s Test uses a reagent that detects the amount of reducing sugars in a sample. Using this test to determine the presence of reducing sugars in Hass avocados, soybeans, and Ceylon cinnamon, we concluded that the three foods contained only a trace of reducing sugars. Our finding that Hass avocados, soybeans, and Ceylon cinnamon contain low amounts of reducing sugars suggests that a diet containing these foods may help individuals better manage Type II diabetes.