Nutrition Myth Buster: Sugar

What Kind Of Sugar Do You Prefer Using?

o   White granulated sugar

o   Agave nectar

o   Honey

o   High fructose corn syrup

o   Maple syrup

o   Natural sugar from fruit and milk

White Granulated Sugar:

Primarily found in baked goods like cakes, cookies, pies, and bread. This type of sugar is the most commonly used sugar, and is most frequently called for in recipes.

Agave Nectar (Syrup):

Most often produced in Mexico. This type of sugar has a high carbohydrate content which results in a high percentage of fructose (approximately 75-90% fructose). Because of its high fructose content, Agave is a lot sweeter than most sugars and therefore you can use less of it. Agave is used by a lot of Vegans because it excludes all animal products.

Honey:

Produced by honey bees. Honey is used to sweeten all kinds of foods and beverages. Honey has approximately 47% fructose.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS):

Also known as “corn sugar.” This type of sugar is composed of the same simple sugars found in table sugar and honey. HFCS is mainly found in sodas and fruit flavored drinks. HFCS has anywhere from 45-55% fructose.

Maple Syrup:

Produced from the sap of maple trees. This type of sugar is most often used on pancakes and waffles.

Natural Sugar:

Fruit (fructose) and milk (lactose) both contain natural sugar meaning no sugar is added to these foods, they are produced with sugar already in them.

So Which One Is Better?

The truth is....sugar is sugar!! Once it enters the body, the body cannot tell the difference. Regardless of what kind of sugar you choose to use, you should always use it in moderation because they all have calories and therefore can all contribute to weight gain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!! J