For example, most fruits have around 10-20g of sugar per cup of fruit. How is this sugar any different than if I were to eat a granola bar with 10g of added sugar? Or have a drink with added sugar? The USDA says to limit added sugar consumption, but says nothing about limiting regular sugar consumption. Is added sugar chemically any different from sugar found in natural foods?
In: Chemistry
Because added sugars typically lack the additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber that whole fruits do, they are empty calories that raise blood sugar levels and trigger a surge in blood sugar that can lead to type II diabetes. They also make you feel hungry for hours afterward, which may lead to overindulgence. When energy dense, high-glycemic index foods give off their initial rush of endorphins, this might result in obesity and a lack of contentment. Your body need the previously stated nutrients as well, and you run the risk of developing deficiencies if you replace foods high in those nutrients with low-nutrient options, like added sugars.
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