6 products that contain a lot of hidden sugar
Diet can affect not just weight but also overall well-being and health. Even when trying to lose weight, achieving desired results can be difficult if you consume too many products with added sugars, according to the Best Life Online website.
Impact of sugar on the body
Dietitian Kimberly Gomer explained that sugar is present in almost every processed food, creating a cycle of craving.
"We turn to sugar when we're celebrating and when we're sad," she noted.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that no more than 10% of your total daily caloric intake come from added sugars.
It turns out that added sugars are found in products where you might not expect them. The expert identified six hidden sources of sugar that can lead to rapid weight gain.
Products with hidden sugar
Sauces
Sauces like ketchup and salad dressings often contain a lot of sugar.
One serving of ketchup can have about two teaspoons of sugar, which is more than half of the recommended daily limit.
The issue arises when people consume more than the recommended amount.
Muffins
Sugar is often the first ingredient in many muffins. Store-bought muffins can contain over 42 grams of sugar, which is more than a can of Coca-Cola.
Sweetened beverages
Some drinks can also contain hidden sugars and calories. This includes juices, sports drinks, sweetened coffee, and cocktails.
Store-bought coffee drinks, like iced coffee and tea, often have high sugar content.
The extra sugar in flavored beverages can lead to weight gain, as they do not provide a feeling of fullness. They taste good and are easy to consume, making it easy to accumulate calories.
Dietitians recommend checking labels for lower sugar options or diluting these beverages with sparkling water when you choose to drink them.
Smoothies
It's better to make smoothies at home to control the ingredients.
A medium-sized strawberry smoothie can contain around 49 grams of added sugar.
Yogurt
Flavored yogurt is another food that often hides sugars. While yogurt has health benefits, you can also consume extra calories when it's sweetened with jam or syrup.
For example, a strawberry-flavored yogurt can contain 18 grams of sugar.
Granola and bars
Granola has a reputation as a healthy food, but experts agree it often contains hidden sugars that can contribute to weight gain.
Granola bars are frequently marketed as convenient and nutritious snacks. Although they may seem like a wholesome combination of oats, nuts, and dried fruits, they often have significant amounts of added sugars used to enhance flavor and sweetness.
Earlier, we covered how to eat healthily after 40 to maintain good health.
You can also read about spirulina and whether it truly benefits your health.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.