To keep blood sugar levels under control, careful consumption of foods with added sugar is important. Not all foods that contain a large amount of sugar have a sweet taste, as is the case with some dressings where other ingredients can mask the presence of sugar.
Highly processed food products tend to have many additives and high amounts of sodium, sugar, and fat. Manufacturers may also use sweeteners that are technically not sugar, but other ingredients such as fructose, honey, corn syrup, are forms of added sugar.
Popular dressings that are high in sugar
1. Ketchup
A single tablespoon of tomato sauce or ketchup can provide a teaspoon of added sugar.
two. BBQ Sauce
About 33% of the popular BBQ sauce is sugar. Two tablespoons of this sauce can contain 9 grams of sugar. A teaspoon of sugar contains 4g of sugar.
3. Pasta sauce
The pre-made sauces you find in the supermarket can include a large amount of added sugar among their ingredients. Preparing the sauce at home can be a healthier option.
4. Honey mustard sauce
Honey is an ingredient that adds sugar. The Harvard Nutrition Source explains that the body metabolizes all added sugars in the same way and does not distinguish between “brown sugar,” “molasses,” “honey,” and other caloric sweeteners.
5. Teriyaki Sauce
Bottled teriyaki sauce typically contains a large amount of added sugar, additives such as cornstarch and high-fructose corn syrup, which can negatively affect flavors. blood sugar levels.
To reduce sugar intake in dressings when you don’t have time to prepare sauces at home, check the label of the sauces you buy and choose one that does not have sugar on the list of ingredients or has it very close to the end. When ordering food at a restaurant, ask for the dressing on the side.
Moderating sugar consumption is not only important for people with diabetes, but also for the general population. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your intake of added sugars to no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar (25 grams) per day for most women and men. children older than 2 years; and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) per day for most men.
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