Everyone knows that sugar is bad for your teeth. But did you know that so-called healthy foods can be just as bad? Why? Most of time, it’s because those foods are hiding behind loads of sugar. Here are ten of the worst offenders.
1) Fruit Juice – When fruit is juiced, all of the pulp and ‘meat’ are taken out, leaving nothing but sugar.
An alternative? Try eating the whole fruit.
2) Granola Bars – Have you ever wondered what holds the bar together? Yup, you guessed it: sugar!
An alternative? Make your own, using natural ingredients, like Stevia
3) Fruit Roll-ups – Just because it has fruit in its name, doesn’t make it healthy. These are nothing but processed junk, and they are full of sugar.
An alternative? A piece of fresh fruit is always a good choice
4) Bread – White bread contains more sugar than people realize; almost as much as a bowl of children’s cereal.
An alternative? Brown or whole grain bread
5) Yogurt – There are many brands of yogurt on the market, many of them labeled fat-free. What it doesn’t say on the package is that they are also loaded with sugar.
An alternative? Greek yogurt, with no added sugar. Add some fresh fruit for more flavor.
6) Dried Fruit: Dried fruit is just as bad as chewing on candy. It is sticky, so it stays on your teeth longer as well.
An alternative? Fresh fruit or cut-up veggies.
7) Breakfast Cereal – Not just kids cereal, but so-called healthy cereal as well.
Alternative? Hot oatmeal with cinnamon, nutmeg and apples.
8) Salad Dressing: These are loaded with sugar, particularly the varieties that are labeled low-fat.
Alternative? A mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
9) Lemon Juice – This doesn’t have sugar, but it contains something else just as bad: acid. Acidic foods can break down the enamel and cause cavities and sensitivity.
An alternative? There is no perfect substitute, but you can try some white wine mixed with a bit of vinegar. Use the vinegar sparingly because it contains acid too.
10) Ice Cubes – Ok, these don’t have sugar, and they aren’t classified as a healthy food, but they are definitely bad for your teeth. The alternating hot and cold can break down the enamel on your teeth and wreck havoc on your fillings.
An alternative? No ice; if you absolutely must have ice, make it crushed and don’t chomp down on the pieces.
The bottom line: Read labels carefully before you place them in your shopping cart. Don’t be fooled by fancy marketing tactics and misleading labels. Some people are so worried about buying low-fat items, they forget to check the sugar content. Many ‘healthy’ foods are labeled as being low-fat or fat-free, but are loaded with sugar and calories. Be a smart shopper!
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