Sugar in processed foods
BY Lisa Guy Nutrition expert
Watch out! Processed foods may contain more sugar than you think.
Sugar is unfortunately a significant source of energy in the Australian diet. Refined sugars such as sucrose, glucose, fructose and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are often added to soft drinks, fruit juices, breakfast cereals, yoghurts and many so-called "healthy" products.
Researchers have recently found HFCS promotes considerably more weight gain than table sugar. And it has been suggested HFCS could be one of the major contributors to our obesity epidemic.
Though it is marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar because the body breaks it down more slowly and it doesn't promote the same sharp elevations in blood sugar and insulin levels, excessive quantities of fructose, especially in HFCS, are unknowingly consumed by the general public due to it being present in so many processed foods.
Refined sugars in small amounts won't harm your health. However, excessive consumption of these "empty-kilojoule" sweeteners increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity and tooth decay.
For better health, reduce your intake of sugar, processed foods and beverages and choose natural sweeteners such as raw honey, xylitol and stevia, in moderation.
Discover more from our nutrition expert Lisa Guy here.
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