How to avoid hidden sugars in foods for better health is the question most commonly asked for people prone to be pre-diabetic.
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So, how to avoid hidden sugars in foods for better health?
Although sugar is found in many forms throughout the world and naturally in many of the foods we eat. It is essential to know just how much sugar is good for you and which foods you may want to avoid due to extremely high sugar levels. Some sugar intake is vital to a healthy body as it is a simple carbohydrate that our bodies convert into energy.
How To Avoid Hidden Sugars in Foods for Better Health
Naturally, sugars are found in many fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and bakery items. The American Heart Association suggests specific daily intakes for healthy adults, such as 36 grams for men daily and 25 grams for women. This is assuming, of course, that there are no underlying health issues such as diabetes or heart problems that may require a more modified diet to maintain health.
Since added sugars in processed foods also contribute additional calories without adding nutrients, they should definitely be avoided. For people who are trying to lose weight, avoiding foods high in sugar is critical. People with medical conditions are affected by blood sugar, and as are those who are trying to lose weight. People are aware that foods such as donuts, sodas, and candy are laced with extremely high sugar levels and very low in nutrition, so they should be avoided. However, a few other examples of other foods high in sugar are not so obvious.
First, and surprising to many, is fruit juices. When a person eats a piece of fruit, the fiber it contains helps fill you up and slows down sugars’ absorption process into your system. The method of making fruit juice takes out all that fiber and leaves something similar to a nutrient-filled glass of sugary water. Yes, you may get a quick boost of energy from it, but you will likely crash just as quickly. So, it is much more satisfying and healthy for you to eat your whole piece of fruit with a glass of water and avoid that glass of fruit juice.
The whole piece of fruit with the glass of water
Tip – How to avoid hidden sugars in foods for better health? The best and surprisingly easiest option here is to make your own at home from scratch.
Light salad dressings are another example of something best avoided if your goal is a healthy diet. While most people are aware that many pre-made salad dressings and marinades are loaded with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, the truth is that the “light” versions are just as bad for you. The sweetness in many of these products comes from aspartame which is an artificial sweetener linked to anxiety and depression.
Ketchup is another worrisome product as most people think it is made simply from tomatoes. Well, it is tomatoes, and sugar, actually lots and lots of sugar. To be exact, the average brand contains four grams of sugar per tablespoon, so just four tablespoons will generally be more than half your daily recommended amount of sugar.
Tip – How to Avoid Hidden Sugars in Foods? Avoid foods like Pre-made Store-Bought Sauces or Dressing that are Heavy in Sugar
Avoiding hidden sugars in foods is not only important to people suffering from diseases like diabetes or heart issues. Consumers who believe that “light” or “low-fat” versions of these products are wrong when they think they are the healthier option. Many of the artificial sweeteners used in these products are now being researched as a link to anxiety and depression, so that is just another reason to remove these foods from your diet today.
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