What is the difference between natural sugar and added sugar?

Natural Sugar vs. Added Sugar

Understanding Natural Sugar

Natural sugars are those that occur naturally in foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy. These sugars include fructose and lactose, which are found in foods along with essential nutrients. Consuming natural sugars means you're also getting vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

This combination helps slow down sugar absorption and provides lasting energy. Natural sugars are part of a balanced diet and are integral to whole food nutrition. They occur in foods that are otherwise nutrient-dense.

What is Added Sugar?

Added sugars are those that manufacturers, cooks, or consumers add to foods and drinks. Common forms of added sugars include table sugar, syrups, and honey. These sugars are often added to enhance flavour or preserve items.

Foods high in added sugars tend to offer little nutritional benefit. They can lead to excess calorie intake without supplying essential nutrients. Added sugars are found in a variety of foods, from baked goods to sodas.

How to Identify Added Sugars

Reading food labels can help identify added sugars in products. Ingredients like glucose, sucrose, corn syrup, and fruit juice concentrates signal added sugars. In the UK, nutrition labels must list total sugars per serving.

Paying attention to these labels can help manage sugar intake. Knowing the difference between naturally occurring and added sugars aids in making healthier choices. Reducing added sugars can support overall health.

Health Implications

Excessive consumption of added sugars is linked with health issues like obesity and tooth decay. It can also contribute to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. On the other hand, naturally occurring sugars found in whole foods are less likely to cause these problems when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Choosing whole fruits over sugary snacks can benefit overall health. It's about balancing sugar intake while prioritising nutrient-rich sources. Understanding these differences can empower better dietary decisions.

Making Healthier Choices

Focusing on whole foods and minimising processed foods is a good rule of thumb. This approach naturally limits added sugar consumption. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can boost nutrient intake.

Moderation is key when it comes to sugar consumption. Being mindful of how much added sugar you consume can support a healthier lifestyle. Opting for naturally sweet foods benefits both health and wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is natural sugar?

Natural sugars are sugars that occur naturally in foods, such as fructose in fruits and lactose in milk.

What is added sugar?

Added sugars are any sugars or caloric sweeteners that are added to foods during processing or preparation.

Are natural sugars healthier than added sugars?

Generally, natural sugars come with nutrients, fiber, and water that are beneficial, while added sugars provide extra calories without nutritional benefits.

Can added sugars be found in natural foods?

No, added sugars are only found in processed or prepared foods and drinks where sugar has been added.

How do foods with natural sugars affect blood sugar?

Foods with natural sugars usually contain fiber and other nutrients that help slow the absorption, moderating the blood sugar response.

What are examples of added sugars on food labels?

Examples include sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, and honey listed on ingredient labels.

Can consuming too much natural sugar be harmful?

While natural sugars are better, consuming them in excess can also lead to health issues like weight gain.

How are natural sugars different from added sugars in terms of calories?

Both natural and added sugars have the same caloric content per gram; the difference lies in the nutritional value and impact on health.

Why do nutritionists recommend limiting added sugars?

Added sugars contribute to extra calorie intake and can lead to health problems like obesity and heart disease without offering nutritional benefits.

Is fruit juice considered a natural source of sugar?

Whole fruit is a natural source, but fruit juice often has added sugars and lacks fiber, making it more akin to added sugars.

Do artificial sweeteners count as added sugar?

No, artificial sweeteners are synthetic and do not count as added sugar even though they provide sweetness.

Do dairy products contain natural sugars?

Yes, dairy products contain lactose, which is a natural sugar.

Are all added sugars bad for you?

While moderate consumption is okay, excessive intake of added sugars can lead to health issues.

What is the main concern with consuming added sugars?

The main concern is that they add extra calories and contribute to weight gain without adding nutritional value.

Is honey considered an added sugar?

Honey is a natural sugar when consumed in raw form, but it is considered an added sugar when used to sweeten products.

How can I determine if a product contains added sugars?

Check the ingredient list for terms like sucrose, corn syrup, and dextrose, and the nutrition label for added sugars.

Do natural and added sugars taste different?

They can taste similar, but the overall flavor may be influenced by the accompanying nutrients and compounds in natural sources.

Is brown sugar an added sugar?

Yes, brown sugar is a type of added sugar, made from sugar cane or sugar beet with added molasses.

Why do manufacturers add sugar to foods?

Added sugars enhance flavor, provide texture, act as preservatives, and play roles in processes like fermentation.

Are sugar alcohols considered added sugar?

No, sugar alcohols are a type of reduced-calorie sweetener that are used in place of sugar but are not considered added sugars.

Useful Links

Useful Links : What is the difference between natural sugar and added sugar?

Understanding Sugar

NHS page explaining the different types of sugar and their effects.

Sugar: The Facts

NHS article on how sugar affects health, including natural versus added sugars.

The Difference Between Natural and Added Sugars

Diabetes UK guide on sugar in the diet and the distinction between natural and added sugars.

How to Cut Down on Sugar

British Heart Foundation advice on reducing sugar intake, with a focus on types of sugar.

Natural vs Added Sugars

Cancer Research UK article about distinguishing between natural and added sugars.

Nutritional Content of Sugars

British Nutrition Foundation page discussing carbohydrates and sugars.

Important Information On Using This Service

This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals. If you have any medical concerns or need urgent help, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately.

Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
To view, click the arrow in centre of video.

Using Subtitles and Closed Captions

Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.

Turn Captions On or Off

Go to the video you'd like to watch.
If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
To turn on Captions, click settings .
To turn off Captions, click settings again.

More Items From Ergsy search