The Many Names Of Sugar

Oh, the many names of sugar.... it's a bummer that food has gotten complicated to the point where we have over 50 names for different types of sugar. Welcome to the world of Genetically Modified Foods (GMO). I want to help you learn how to look at your labels and identify sugar and also teach you some of the different effects sweeteners have on your body this week. 

Here is my Top Ten list of "sugars" to look for on food labels:

1. Any type of FRUCTOSE (high fructose corn syrup, crystalline fructose, etc.)
2. Any type of SYRUP (corn syrup, malt syrup, sugar syrup, corn syrup solids, etc.) 
3. Dextrose
4. Sucrose
5. Glucose
6. Lactose
7. Maltose
8. Fruit juice concentrates
9. Cane crystals
10. Evaporated cane juice

In one of last weeks posts, Drinking Fat Is Gross, I talked about how your body digests fructose. Check out that post for more info on fructose.

As you start to look for these names on labels you will be shocked by how many foods have sugar in them. One of the reasons processed or (GMO) foods are so addicting is because they have hidden sugars in them and your body doesn't get the nutrients it needs.

This week keep a lookout for these ten different names for sugar and remember, ingredients are listed in order of quantity. If one of these names are second or third on an ingredient list, watch out!

Hope
xoxo