Sugar, The Master of Disguise 🥸🔎

 

More than the stuff you add to tea or coffee ☕️ 

We are forever banging on about sugar, and how bad it is but “added sugars” are what we need to be cautious of, they are masters of disguise 🥸

We recently calculated that if you were to consume a 500ml bottle of Coca Cola every day for a year that’s just over 19kg of sugar. Drinking a bottle with lunch may be the norm with many young adults, some of us will probably consume more. That’s just one example, where sugar is labelled as sugar. 

 

@tonichealth Yes! We know there is sugar in coke original! 🥤 But have you ever thought about actually how much sugar? Bet you didn’t think it would be a trolley full 🤯 #tonic #tonictruth #cokebottle #supermarket #sugar #fypシ ♬ original sound - Tonic Health 🍊

 

 

 

But did you know sugar has a variety of names? 

In fact, there are almost 60 hidden names for sugar 🤯 Some may be obvious but many are just confusing. It isn’t the naturally occurring sugars in fruit and some vegetables we need to worry about, but the “added sugars.”   

 

Glucose or Fructose – What’s the difference? 

Think of it like this... Glucose is like the lead singer in a band. It's the one that gets all the attention, belting out the catchy tunes and driving the rhythm. Similarly, glucose is the primary source of energy for your body and is found in a wide range of foods. 

Fructose, on the other hand, is like the background vocalist or instrumentalist. It may not get as much attention, but it still adds a unique flavour and sweetness to the music. Similarly, fructose is a type of sugar found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables that adds a sweet taste to certain foods, although your body doesn't use it as efficiently for energy as it does with glucose. 

 

Let’s look at some of these sugars then 👀  

Sucrose or ‘table sugar’ 

The most common type of sugar. A naturally occurring carbohydrate found in many fruits and plants. Sucrose is extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets and consists of 50/50 glucose and fructose which is bound together. Sucrose is added to all sorts of processed foods, here’s a few examples of where it can be found: 

• Ice cream  
• Fizzy drinks  
• Fruit juice 
• Sweets 

 

High Fructose Corn Syrup 🇺🇸 

Not so common here in the UK but in the States this stuff is EVERYWHERE. It's made from corn starch and goes through industrial processing. Just like sucrose you’ll find this sugar in a few of these examples: (mainly relevant to USA)  

• Bread 
• Cookies 
• Cakes  

 

Agave Nectar or Syrup 

Popular sweetener produced from the agave plant. A favourite among vegans as an alternative to honey and often labelled “healthier” as it doesn’t cause a sugar spike like some sugars do. However, it is still a “added sugar” so it’s still one to watch. You’ll find it in:  

• Fruit bars 
• Cereal bars 
• Vegan products 

 

We've put together list for sugar and its many names, check it out below or click this icon to download  👉📑

 

 

 

But they aren’t all bad, think of it like this? 

Naturally occurring sugars are like a sweet breeze on a sunny day - they are a natural part of the food and provide a subtle sweetness that's enjoyable and refreshing. These sugars are found in foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, and are a healthy source of energy and nutrients that our bodies need. 

On the other hand, added sugars are like a gust of wind that knocks you off your feet - they are often hidden in processed foods and drinks, and can pack a powerful punch of sweetness that can be overwhelming. Added sugars are like the sugar in a can of coke, or your Muller Corner fruit yoghurt, provide little to no nutritional value while adding extra calories to your diet. 

So, while naturally occurring sugars are a natural and healthy part of our diets, added sugars are an unnecessary and potentially harmful addition that we should try to limit. By choosing foods that are naturally sweetened and avoiding those with added sugars, we can maintain a balanced and healthy diet that supports our overall wellbeing. 

 

What’s to come on Instagram and TikTok this week... 

With Easter 🐣 around the corner it would be rude not to have a few Easter Egg reviews this week, but have you ever bought an egg for your pet, Sunna takes a look at Easter Eggs for dogs 🐶  

 

Thanks for being here. Stay healthy!