In the past few decades, Americans have drastically increased their calorie intake, largely from an increased intake of carbohydrates, mostly in the form of added sugars.
 
Naturally occurring sugars, such as those in fruit and milk, are obviously healthier than the artificially-added sugars that can be found in non-diet soft drinks, candy, cookies, and fruit drinks.
 
Although some "good" sugars are easy to differentiate from "bad" sugars, here are a few tips on what to look for on a food label. The simplest way is to glance at the bottom of the Nutrition Facts Label. Compare the first ingredient on each of the labels below. The first is for Oreo cookies and the other for Kashi Chewy Granola bars.
Oreo cookie ingredients
 
It's easy to see and contrast the two main ingredients: sugar versus rolled whole grain blend.
Kashi granola nutrition label
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The ingredient list on a food label is listed in order of the most prevalent to the least. A food is likely to be high in added artificial sugars if one of the following appears first or second on the list:
 
Raw sugar
Brown sugar
Fructose
Glucose
Honey
Lactose
Sucrose
High-fructose corn syrup
Corn sweetener
Fruit juice concentrate
 
When looking at food labels, choose carbohydrates that are high in fiber and low in added sugars. Foods that have 10% or more of fiber per serving are beneficial. Instead of ingredients listed above, look for the following listed in the beginning of that list:
 
Brown rice, cracked wheat, whole wheat, whole oats, graham flour, oatmeal, and anything with the word "whole."
 
A conversation about added sugars cannot be isolated from one about soda drinks. In the United States, this is the number one source of added sugars. The more soda pop one consumes, the less likely he or she will consume more nutritious drinks with natural sugars such as milk. If you consume plenty of sugary beverages, you are also consuming plenty of empty calories meaning, you are getting calories without nutrients.
 
Coca cola labelHere is a Nutrition Facts Label for Coca-Cola. Simply put, the carbohydrate base in a Coke is all sugar. Also notice that the second ingredient is high fructose corn syrup.
 
An occasional soda is fine, but if you're one of those folks who drinks three to four cans a day, you can see the sugars add up.
 
Sugar substitutes such as aspartame are very low in calories. These can be helpful if you are looking for something sweet with less calories. I've witnessed plenty of patients lose weight merely by cutting out soda and thus their overall daily caloric intake. Try flavored water such as Sparkling Ice or Crystal Light. Diet sodas use sugar substitutes and are often a viable option.
 
Diabetics especially need to watch their sugar intake. Although it is impossible to cut out all sugar, again the best option is to choose carbohydrates high in fiber and low in simple sugars.
 
Lisa James, certified diabetic educator at Alton Memorial Hospital, explains that "food in its most natural state is healthier." She explains that fresh fruits and vegetables, although they have carbohydrates and sugars, are much better than processed or canned foods.
 
"Consume foods that are fresh, frozen, canned, and processed - in that order," she adds.
 
Stay tuned for future nutrition facts and tips.
 

Michele Brannan is a certified Physician Assistant and has been in practice in the Riverbend area for 10 years.

Article continues after sponsor message

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

The health information provided herein is not intended to replace the advice or discussion with a healthcare provider and is for educational purposes only. Before making any decisions regarding your health, speak with your healthcare provider.

More like this:

Jul 18, 2023 - Water: Your Everyday Energy Drink

Oct 11, 2023 - Rise and Shine With A Diabetes-Friendly Breakfast

Jan 31, 2024 - 60th Anniversary Of American Heart Month Celebrated In February

Jan 24, 2024 - Giannoulias, Preston, Stava-Murray Move To Ban Harmful Food Chemicals

Feb 14, 2024 - Doctor Warns People Have To Be Concerned With Too Much Caffeine