How Much Sugar Is in Your Food and Drinks?

Are you aware of how much sugar is in your foods and drinks?

Due to our hectic schedules, monitoring our daily nutritional intake is hard. Sugar is one of the nutrients the body needs to function correctly. Without it, several body organs and systems, such as the brain and the immune system, can be compromised.

But not all types of sugar are healthy. Natural sugars from the food we eat, such as those in fruits, are beneficial. However, refined sugars or added sugars come with empty calories and don’t offer benefits to the body. Examples are sugars from desserts, such as doughnuts, cookies, and cakes.

Too much intake of these sugars can be harmful to your health, especially for those diagnosed with medical conditions, such as diabetes. A sugary diet can also increase a person’s risk of developing obesity or tooth decay.

Foods and Drinks With High Sugar Content

• Fruit juice. Fruit juices can contain some vitamins and nutrients, but you’ll want to go for those labeled “100% fruit juice.” Otherwise, typical fruit juices can be high in sugar, and excessive intake can have negative health effects.
• Sports drinks. Even sports drinks can contain high amounts of sugar, so it helps to drink sparingly. If you’re looking for a safer and healthier way to hydrate and moisturize your mouth, plain water remains the best option. It doesn’t contain sugar, and it promotes salivary flow.
• Chocolate milk. Milk is nutritious, but chocolate milk is another story. It contains high amounts of sugar to make it taste more appealing. The same goes for flavored milk. They taste good and can be quite addictive, but their sugar content can be high.
• Breakfast cereal. This popular, convenient breakfast option is also teeming with added sugars. Breakfast cereal may taste good, but it can heavily impact your daily sugar intake. If your household loves cereals, try opting for those with low-sugar content and high fiber. If you have time, consider preparing quick-to-cook and healthier breakfast options, such as eggs.
• Canned fruits. Canned fruits come with the natural sugars in fruits. However, they are often preserved in sugary syrup, which has unnecessary sugar content. Fresh fruits are still the better option, but if your recipe calls for canned fruits, look for those without sweet syrup.
• Sauces. Ketchup, tomato-based sauces, and barbecue sauces can all contain added sugars. Use them sparingly. If you must indulge, rinse your mouth with plain water afterward or drink water to prevent substances from lingering on the surfaces of teeth and cause discoloration.
• Low-fat yogurt. It might sound healthy, but don’t be fooled. Not all yogurt is the same, and some contain too much added sugars that can quickly surpass the daily recommended sugar intake.

Reducing Sugar Intake

The daily recommended sugar intake is less than 10% of your calorie intake. A 2000-calorie daily intake will need less than 200 calories, or around 12 teaspoons, of sugar. You can reduce your daily added sugar intake by skipping or reducing the use of table sugar, whether in your daily cup of coffee or in recipes.

If you’re worried about the condition of your teeth because you have a sweet tooth, we recommend getting a comprehensive oral examination.

At Embrace Dental Care in Southeast Calgary, AB, we maintain a judgment-free environment. Share your dental concerns with us with confidence. We'll listen! Get started today by requesting your initial appointment.