DON’T BE FOOLED BY FOOD LABELS
Don’t be fooled by food companies that claim, “Sugar Free” or “No Sugar Added.” Be sure to educate yourself on how to read labels because these products still contain Sugar. What is the problem with this? Lack of ethics as well as a disservice to the individual who is trying to make healthier decisions.
Artificial and processed sugar is a major toxin that can have negative effects on insulin management, cardiovascular health, the blood brain barrier, proper hormone production as well as a host of other systems in the body.
This week I challenge you to read the labels on all of your foods. Be sure to read the ingredients list as well because that list is just as important, if not more important than the nutrition label itself. Here are some Claims that companies make that deter the consumer from what is really in their products.
What to Watch out For
Sugar Free
According to the FDA, a food that contains less than 0.5mg of sugar per serving can be labeled as “Sugar Free.” Technically, a food does not need to be completely sugar free to be considered sugar free just as long as it meets the per serving requirement. Even though it is a half of a gram of sugar, consuming numerous servings may have a negative effect on your health.
No Sugar Added
The FDA can use the “No Sugar Added” label as long as there is no sugar or sugar containing ingredient is used during processing. This includes honey, molasses, high fructose corn syrup, malt syrup and cane syrup. However, a product that is labeled with “no sugar added,” such as Ice Cream, may not have added the above listed sugars but they are NOT sugar free because it contains lactose, which is a natural milk sugar. Once again another sneaky trick.
Artificial Sweeteners
The terms “sugar free” and “no sugar added” do not give you any information about artificial sweeteners. Products that include artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Saccharin, Sucralose, Neotame can still be considered “Sugar Free and “No Sugar Added.”
Tip for Shopping High Quality Food
When shopping for groceries be sure to navigate the outer portion of the store for the highest quality foods. This is where you can find foods that have just one ingredient in comparison to packaged goods that contain a lot of processed additives. Making better food choices will ensure you do not stuff your kitchen and pantry with foods that will disrupt your health.
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