The FDA has allowed the food industry to call sugar by many different names on food labels. This disguises sugar from the general public. Educate yourself in order to be able to find sugar or any of its other names on labels of processed food. Consider any label that has the words sweetener, syrup, or other word ending in “ose” to contain added sugar.

Here is a list of common words to indicate that sugar has been added:

• Corn Sweetener
• Corn Syrup / Corn Syrup Solids
• Dehydrated Cane Juice
• Dextrin
• Dextrose / Maltose / Sucrose
• Fruit Juice Concentrate
• Glucose
• High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Invert Sugar Maltodextrin
• Malt Syrup
• Raw Sugar
• Saccharose

The worst kind of sugar on the list, if I had to choose one, is High Fructose Corn Syrup. This is a simple carbohydrate. The quick absorption of High Fructose Corn Syrup stresses the pancreas, and causes a fluctuating blood sugar level, which interferes with focus, clarity and general brain function. This kind of sugar can become very addicting, as can any sugar. Not to mention that High Fructose Corn Syrup is a source of empty calories in our diets, and it will create added weight.

Carefully read food labels in order to avoid sugar in your diet! For a full nutritional evaluation and food plan suggestions, please contact me for an appointment.

Next week: Colorful foods of Yellow and Orange!