You may have heard the term “hidden sugars.” More companies are using this term, especially those focusing on health. People want you to know that brands add sugars into their products and a lot of the time you wouldn’t even notice. You need to check the ingredients list, and this can be difficult with some products.
Not all sugars are made equally. Just because something is sweet doesn’t mean that it’s bad for you. Something that is naturally sweet, like fruit, can actually be very good for you, especially when eaten fresh/frozen and whole.
So, what does the term “hidden sugars” mean? It’s just a term given for the sugars included in processed foods. While fructose or corn syrup are most commonly used, there are so many others to look out for. This list includes all the hidden sugars out there and their health risks.
Why Are Hidden Sugars Bad for You?
Before we get into the list, let’s look at why hidden sugars are so bad. After all, if natural sugars are okay, why aren’t the others? It’s the way the sugars breakdown in the body. Even natural sugars can be bad for you if consumed in the wrong way.
The benefit of natural sugars is all the other nutrients that are included. For example, berries are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients. They have enough fiber to release the sugars into the body slowly, keeping your blood sugar levels low. However, if you juice those berries, you’re getting rid of the fiber. The sugars are released directly into your body and will metabolize extremely quickly. They become just like the hidden sugars.
