Top Three “Sneaky” Health Foods That Maybe Sugar-Jacking Your Diet

Sugar hides in almost every element of our diet. For a number of individuals, healthy eating is nothing more than a myth given the high concentration of sugar found in some of the “healthiest” foods. Apart from the occasional binge, we might think that we consume sugar-free and healthy items in our day-to-day life. The truth is that some of the so-called nutritious food items too contain high sugar content. According to a new study published by the University of California, San Francisco, the health effects of sugar are alarming and there exists a dire need to educate the masses regarding the increasing levels of sugar consumption. The risks associated with high sugar consumption include Type 2 Diabetes, cardiac disease risks and liver diseases.

According to WHO (world Health Organization), the daily recommended dosage of sugar for an adult should be limited to six teaspoons per day which is equivalent to 25 grams. However, on an average, a single adult American consumes more than 19 teaspoons of sugar per day, which is roughly thrice the daily recommended dose. The top sneaky foods which contain high sugar levels and yet are considered healthy by many are listed below:

Yogurt

Flavored and low fat yogurt contains surprisingly high amounts of sugar and according to one study may pack as high as 29 grams per serving. While many individuals think they are making the healthy choice by opting for the low-fat version, they are in fact substituting for a sugar-packed, chemical enriched product that does sufficient damage to the health. One simple way to avoid this is to shop for brands that pack less than 20 grams per serving. The best solution however is to opt for plain yogurt and add your own flavor such as a handful of nuts or half a teaspoon of honey.

Sports Drinks

If you think you are doing your body a favor by hydrating through sports drinks, think again. A single drink can contain as high as five teaspoons of sugar. The case for fruit juices is even worse. Next time, opt for simpler hydrating options. Drink plenty of water and add flavor through lemon or cucumber slices.

Granola

Half a cup of granola contains more than 12 grams of sugar. Not only is this unhealthy but when paired with additives such as yogurt or milk, adds a powerful punch of calories. If you really crave your crunch, opt for sweet vegetables such as carrot sticks. Replacing granola with handful of almonds is also a good choice.