Added sugar can appear on labels under different names. Recognizing them prevents excessive consumption of said ingredient.
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Sugar is one of the most harmful ingredients for health. It has been shown to influence the metabolism of the human body generating a negative impact on the functioning of the pancreas when consumed in excess. Except in the case of athletes, the less consumed, the better . Therefore, it is good to know what are the names by which sugar is known on the labels.
Before getting into the subject, we must emphasize that for many years fats were demonized in the wrong and exaggerated way. These were thought to be the only causes of chronic and complex pathologies, when in fact sugar is part of the problem.
What is added sugar?
When interpreting nutritional labels, it is necessary to differentiate between naturally present sugar and added sugar . The first is the one that is found in fresh foods, as is the case with fructose in fruit.
However, the additive is thoroughly introduced into industrial products with the aim of improving the organoleptic characteristics of the resulting element.
The result of this addition is an increase in peak blood glucose, which can lead to insulin resistance in the medium term. This situation leads to a metabolic inflexibility that ends with the appearance of type 2 diabetes. This is indicated by a study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition .
Added sugar is what the industry places in products to improve their characteristics and offer them for sale.
You may also be interested in: Diet for people with fructose intolerance
3 Ways to Name Added Sugar on Labels
We are going to tell you under which 3 names added sugar can appear on nutritional labels, so that you can identify its presence.
1. Honey
Despite the fact that many identify honey as a healthy product, the truth is that it contains a large proportion of sugar. Adding this ingredient to an industrial food means significantly increasing the number of carbohydrates it contains .
Many experts defend the health properties of certain compounds in honey, as is the case with royal jelly. This substance has been shown to be effective in promoting a better functioning of the immune system. However, the compound can be isolated, in such a way that its consumption does not involve an excessive dose of simple carbohydrates.
2. Fructose syrup
Fructose is a type of sugar, specifically the one found in fruit. It is true that its consumption, accompanied by the fiber in these foods, does not have a negative impact on the body. However, when it is administered freely, in sugary soft drinks for example, the question changes.
There is evidence as the substance is capable of stimulating the development of liver pathologies of character , which affects metabolism. This situation leads to the development of complex diseases of greater severity, so we must pay attention to this sugar on the labels.
To know more: What happens to the body after an excess of fiber?
3. Panela
This is another version of added sugar with a less negative connotation. Despite the fact that the industry has generated marketing in this regard, in which it is affirmed that this substance has less impact on health, the truth is that it acts in a very similar way to glucose .
It is a bit more nutritious from a mineral point of view, but this is not enough added value. What is clear is that ingesting this ingredient regularly also increases the risk of developing metabolic-type pathologies, among which type 2 diabetes stands out .
The masked sugars in the products can promote insulin resistance and thus diabetes in the medium term.
Why is it important to watch for sugar on labels?
As we have mentioned, the consumption of added sugars is capable of generating a negative impact on the body. It promotes obesity and overweight, as well as pancreatic and liver pathologies.
In the same way, higher sugar consumption is associated with an increase in systemic inflammation. This situation is related to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems, due to the increase in blood pressure and the formation of atheroma plaques.
Beware of added sugar
As you have seen, the industry manages to introduce added sugar into its products without the consumer being able to perceive it. Thus, you can generate extremely palatable food, which causes a very positive economic return. However, the health implications are not good.
For this reason, it is essential that you are always attentive to nutritional labels . You have to know the different ways of naming added sugar to avoid consuming said ingredient unconsciously.
As a general rule, prepared foods, pastries and sweets usually contain it in their composition. But even some preserves and pickles are also likely to include it among their ingredients. Do not trust yourself and always pay attention.
Finally, remember that the problems of sugar consumption can be partially alleviated by practicing regular physical activity . This prevents overweight and insulin resistance.