Tag Archives: veggies

Foods that are Suprisingly High in Sugar

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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.

To Juice or Not to Juice? That is the Question.

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Juicing or juice cleanses are growing in popularity as more people are using this practice as a way to lose weight or improve their health.  Juice bars are becoming a common fixture in shopping malls as the demand for freshly-made and all-natural juices increase.  There are a few advantages that can be achieved by juicing.

Some advantages of juicing include:

  • Juicing may be an easier way for some to obtain the daily fruits and vegetables that are essential in maintaining a healthy diet. Many people find it more convenient and less time consuming to drink fruits and vegetables instead of eating them.
  • Juicing can help in promoting weight loss- if it is done correctly and the body is not deprived of vital nutrients and fibers.

There also disadvantages associated with all-juice diets. The disadvantages that are associated with all-juice diets include:

  • An all-juice diet for a prolonged period of time is not recommended as studies have shown that LDL cholesterol levels may increase. Depriving the body of whole foods that are rich in nutrients could also weaken its ability to fight infections and function properly.
  • Juicing can prove dangerous for individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. High levels of fructose, which is the sugar found in fruits can elevate blood sugar levels.  Excessive juicing can cause high levels of potassium and minerals to build up in the blood- this can become hazardous if one has kidney disease.
  • Juicing may not be the healthiest or most effective way to lose weight as your body may think it is starving and lower its metabolic rate. If your body is being deprived of the daily recommended caloric intake it could begin to burn muscle tissue instead of fat to provide energy, causing the loss of muscle mass.

If you choose to juice, consult your physician, especially if you have chronic health conditions and juice in moderation. Juicing can be beneficial if it is done properly and is supplemented with nutrient-rich whole foods. It is recommended that a glass of juice can be used to substitute one meal for example breakfast or lunch for the day. Most healthcare practitioners caution that juicing should not surpass the duration of a few days.

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.