stocksy sugar medium 307227 682x408

NOURISH

The secret names of sugar

Sugar is everywhere—and sometimes, we don't even know it! As the obesity rate in the United States continues to rise, we are more frequently encouraging patients to reduce the amount of sugar in their diet. Any sugars that our body does not use as energy get stored as fat.

Identifying the sugar in foods can be a challenge, as sugar comes in many forms and is labeled many different ways. Here are some tips to help you spot the sugar in foods.

Sugars often end in "-ose." Common examples include fructose, sucrose, glucose, dextrose, lactose, maltose.

Be wary of anything listed as a "syrup." Essentially syrup is a fancy form of processed sugar. Common examples include corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, cane syrup, maple syrup, golden syrup, etc.

Avoid ingredients containing the word "juice." Cane juice, cherry juice, etc. Many of these juices are processed or "concentrated" down to the point that essentially just sugar remains.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Share this article

MORE LIKE THIS

Farmers market recipe: Citrus beet salad

Give beets a chance! Beets are high in vitamin C, making this salad an immune system boosting recipe.

Continue reading

EMPOWER YOURSELF


Get fun, inspiring, provider-reviewed articles sent to your inbox.

Sign up for our email newsletter