Added vs. Natural Sugar

Sugar is always one of those things that I look for on a label, because it's one of the main things I try to stay away from. Sugar turns to fat, and fat is something that I try to avoid. I also have another philosophy, where I feel like its okay to eat anything that grows naturally. However, fruit is loaded with sugar! Is there a difference between sugar in an apple vs. sugar in a doughnut? YES!

Apples have natural sugar while doughnuts have added sugar. There are only two kinds of natural sugars: those found in milk (lactose) and those found in fruit (fructose). Natural sugars also have nutrients, such as protein, fiber, Vitamin D, A, & C, Calcium... With nutrients such as fiber and protein it also takes longer to digest, which decreases the spike in blood sugar received from added sugars. This also causes you to be full LONGER! Added sugars are a pure source of carbohydrate with around 15 calories per teaspoon... yikes. Unlike natural sugars, added sugars lead to weight gain and poorly controlled blood sugar levels. 

Some things to look out for: 
1. Juice- You really have to be careful when looking at juice labels. There are some natural and organic juices out there, containing only natural sugars. However, many name brand juices are also loaded with added sugar as well. 

2. Canned fruit- Usually fruit that comes in cans is also loaded with added sugar, packed in a heavy syrup.

3. Apple Sauce- Apple sauce is one of my FAVORITE snacks. Unfortunately  apple sauce is also corrupted by added sugars! Apple sauce is already naturally sweet, there's no need for this! 

Check your labels carefully!
Food Label ConfusionOne of the biggest conundrums surrounding the sugar debate is deciphering where sugar is coming from on a food label. The total grams of sugar listed in the nutrition facts doesn’t differentiate whether the sugars are coming from added or natural sources. The only thing a savvy consumer can do is read the ingredient list. Since ingredients are listed in descending order, folks can determine where the majority of the sugar in that food is coming from.