When it comes to your health sugar is a dangerous drug.The overconsumption of it is associated with obesity, diabetes, heart disease, premature aging, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, depression, the list goes on.
It is not just candy bars and sodas which have its devastating effects. Most of the sugars we consume are hidden in supposedly “healthy” foods. It is to be noted that the World Health Organization recently released a guideline stating that adults and children should consume only 6 teaspoons a day.
It can have harmful effects on metabolism and contribute to all sorts of diseases. So with much of our intake hidden in these supposedly “healthy” foods, it's best to keep an sharp eye on your food.
Here is the list of healthy foods packed with sugar.
1.Yogurt: Not always Yogurt is protein-packed way to start your morning. Most flavored yogurts are absolutely loaded with sugar—sometimes as much as 8 ounces of Coke—making that healthy breakfast a surefire way to skyrocket your insulin levels.
If you want yogurt, buy unsweetened Greek yogurt (and don't be afraid of fat). For balanced sweetness, toss in a few blueberries or drizzle on some raw honey or maple syrup.
2.Cereal: We know without sugar, many cereals would taste like cardboard. Gluten-free and low-fat foods especially are loaded with sugar to make up for the lack of other essential flavor components. If you're looking for a good cereal, look for one that has sugar (or one of its many iterations) low on the ingredients list.
Even easier, look for a cereal with 8 grams or less per serving to keep morning blood sugar levels steady and always consume it with a good source of protein or fat to keep your insulin in check.
3.Orange juice: While orange juice can be a great, healthy treat,but having a big glass every morning isn't a good idea.
The natural sugars from 3 or 4 oranges can add up quick. Eating a whole orange balances the sugars with fiber, providing a less stark insulin rise. However, when you drink orange juice, you're getting thrice the sugar without the fiber of the whole fruit.
4. Condiments: From salads to ketchup, the sugar in condiments can be harmful for you. It's shocking how much sugar can be added to these seemingly innocuous sauces and spreads. Salad dressings can have upwards of 5 grams in one serving.
Ketchup has a high quantity by nature, but oftentimes it contains high-fructose corn syrup, which is even worse. You need to look for an organic ketchup with a less refined sugar that is lower on the ingredients list and try making your own salad dressing at home out of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
5.Tomato sauce: Many jarred sauces contain surprising quantities of sugar to bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes. A serving can pack anywhere from 2 to 3 teaspoons of the sweet stuff.
You can always try making a quick sauce at home with tomatoes, garlic, basil and olive oil. It'll be much more satisfying, fresher and not loaded with hidden sweeteners.
6. Peanut butter: Most mainstream peanut butters are loaded with added sugar. The reason is the combination of peanut butter and sugar is delicious. It's also important to watch out for hydrogenated oils in many peanut butters, so keep your eyes on the labels.
Save yourself some stress and make your own nut butters at home. If you need a little sweetness, eat it on a peanut butter banana sandwich or drizzle it on some toast with a touch of honey.
