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7 Subtle Signs that You’re Eating Plenty of Sugar
Sugar has been demonized so much by experts, but the truth is that it is an essential source of energy and plays a crucial role in our survival. But here’s the thing — all sugars are not the same.
For example, fructose is found in vegetables and fruits, while lactose is in dairy-rich foods. We don’t have to be as concerned that both are natural sugars because there’s also plenty of calcium and fiber in these foods, for example. However, added sugars, which are often found in processed foods, are not vital to our health, but sadly, most of us consume them in excess.
The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (1) reports that the average American consumes 270 calories of added sugars daily. That is equivalent to 17 teaspoons per day.
What happens to the body when you eat sugar?
While the human body can’t differentiate between natural and added sugars, that’s not to say that they all get processed the same way.
Simple sugar moves to your bloodstream very fast and causes a spike in insulin production. The insulin helps to push the glucose into your cells.
Complex carbs such as whole wheat, on the other hand, are produced from long chains of glucose. Of course, it takes your body a long time to break down…
