Post Time: 2025-07-26
What Lies Beneath: The Sneaky World of Added Sugars
Added sugars are hidden in many food products, from condiments to cereals. A single serving of ketchup contains about 4 grams of sugar, while a popular granola can contain up to 11 grams per ounce. Be aware that even seemingly healthy foods like yogurt and salad dressings often have added sugars.
The Sugar Conundrum: How Our Bodies React
When our bodies consume too much sugar, it causes blood sugar levels to spike. This insulin surge triggers an energy crash, leaving us feeling lethargic and hungry for more carbohydrates. Chronic consumption of high-sugar foods can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
The Sneakiest Sugar Culprits: What You Need to Know
- Baked goods: Muffins, cakes, cookies - these sweet treats are full of added sugars.
- Fruit juices and sports drinks: While they may seem healthy, many contain high amounts of sugar.
- Processed meats: Even some sausages and bacon have added sugars in the form of preservatives like honey or maple syrup.
- Condiments: Tomato sauce, soy sauce - even these condiments can hide significant amounts of sugar.
The Role of Nutrition Labels: Decoding Hidden Sugars
When shopping for packaged foods, always check the ingredient list for terms like "sucrose," "high fructose corn syrup" or "fruit juice concentrate." These indicate added sugars. Furthermore, pay attention to serving sizes and nutrient content claims - they may not provide a full picture of sugar intake.
Mindful Eating: Strategies for Avoiding Hidden Sugars
- Read labels carefully: Be aware of ingredient lists and avoid products with multiple sources of sugar.
- Choose whole foods: Focus on unprocessed, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds to minimize added sugars.
- Cook from scratch: Preparing meals at home allows for greater control over the amount of sugar used.
The Sugar Truth: How Excessive Consumption Affects Our Health
Consuming too much sugar has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a balanced diet with minimal added sugars is crucial for overall well-being.
This video was created as part 133 blood sugar of the OpenRN™ and Next Gen RN projects. The Open RN project is funded by a $2.5 million dollar grant from the Department of Education to create five OER Nursing Textbooks with 25 associated Virtual Reality scenarios. The Next Gen RN project is funded by a $500,000 Core Industry grant from the blood sugar level 120 after eating Wisconsin Technical College System to better prepare nursing students for the Next Generation NCLEX. All content is licensed under CC BY 4.0 NC. For more information, visit the following: 310 blood sugar