As our lifestyles move toward healthier eating habits, it is not enough to just count calories, carbohydrates or proteins; we should also be checking how much sugar is in the “healthy” foods we are eating.
Fruit, for example, although healthy for you, can be high in sugar. A pineapple has 16 grams of sugar per slice, there are 17 grams per of sugar in one large banana and a small apple has a whopping 19 grams of sugar. Although all are healthy, you have to be what you eat; especially, if you are a diabetic.
Some other “healthy” foods that are surprisingly high in sugar are:
- Lo-fat yogurt
- Fruit juice
- Sport drinks
- Chocolate milk
- Granola
- Protein bars
- Salad dressing
- Smoothies
- Non-dairy milk
The American Heart Association recommends that women limited their added sugar intake to six teaspoons per day, while men should limit their intake to nine teaspoons.
It is a known fact that ingesting too much sugar is not good for your overall health. If your sugar intake is more than the recommended daily dosage, you may be at risk for obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.
If you are concerned about your sugar intake and would like to speak with a Registered Dietitian at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.