Sugar 101
It is easy to tell if a food item contains white sugar. When reading a label, look for words ending in the suffix “ose”, such as high fructose corn syrup, maltose and sucrose. White table sugar is called sucrose and is derived from the sugar cane or the sugar beet. White sugar has been stripped of its precious minerals, vitamins and fiber and contains empty calories. After eating a food product that is filled with white sugar such as a cookies, pop, cakes and sugar cereals, sugar enters the bloodstream at a rushing speed making it very difficult for the body to assimilate. The body reacts to the surge in sugar (glucose) levels in the bloodstream by over-secreting the hormone insulin. Excess insulin secretion leads to blood sugar levels dropping to a critical low, resulting in a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Symptoms associated with hypoglycemia include fatigue, irritability and cravings. To put an end to these uncomfortable symptoms, children and adults often reach for another sugary treat, such as a cookie, pop or sugary coffee, triggering the vicious cycle all over again. The other issue with excess insulin secretion is that is triggers the excess storage of fat leading to weight gain. With grocery stores filled to the brim with sugary treats for kids, restaurants serving super sizes and childhood inactivity, we are producing a nation of overweight and obese children. Consider some of the following sugar facts:
• A 12-ounce can of a typical soft drink, for example, contains about
nine teaspoons of refined white sugar.
• Sugar is the number one food additive. It is consumed ten times more
than all other 2,600 or so food additives put together. Salt is a distant second.
• A tablespoon of ketchup contains a full teaspoon of sugar.
• Foods such as breads, soups, cereals, cured meats, hot dogs, lunch meat,
salad dressings, spaghetti sauce, crackers, mayonnaise, peanut butter, pickles,
frozen pizza, canned fruits and vegetables, tomato juice and a host of other
products all contain sugar. Check your labels!
• Brown sugar sold in supermarkets is refined white sugar with some molasses
put back into it for color and flavor. It is not a health food.
Unrefined Sugars — Natural Sweeteners
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When selecting sugars, it is best to select those that have not been refined
and therefore contain more fiber and nutrients. Examples include honey and rice
syrup. Wildlife Downunder animal biscuits are the perfect option for children
as they contain no artificial ingredients and no refined sugars. The natural
sweetner options in the Truestar cookie recipes include honey, rice syrup and
deliciously appealing spices such as natural vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger.
The chocolate biscuit contains mouth-watering cocoa which your little one will
find hard to resist! In addition to the above natural sweeteners, other options
include:
Maple syrup: Some maple syrups contain residue of formaldehyde, a carcinogen. It is, therefore, always best to purchase organic. Substitute 2/3 to 1/4 cup maple syrup for 1 cup white sugar. Maple syrup is a good source of potassium and calcium.
Maple sugar: Maple sugar can be used in a variety of baked goods. Substitute 1 cup of maple sugar for 1 cup of white sugar. Store in a tightly sealed container.
Sucanat: The name, Sucanat, stands for sugar cane natural and is derived from evaporated sugar cane juice. Sucanat contains more vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients than white sugar. It is an all-purpose sweetener for baking, cooking and hot drinks and should be used in a 1 to 1 replacement for white sugar.
Barley malt syrup: Barley malt syrup is half as sweet as white sugar and is best used in combination with other sweeteners. Barley malt syrup contains a variety of trace minerals and vitamins and is a terrific addition to spice cakes, gingerbread, squash and pumpkin breads and bran muffins. 1½ cup of barley malt is equal to ½ cup of white sugar.
Date sugar: Date sugar is ground from dehydrated dates. It
is high in fiber and contains folic acid. These tasty granules can be used to
make toppings for pies and fruit crisps or for baking breads, cakes and muffins.
Date sugar can be used in a 1 to 1 replacement for white sugar. Prior to making
a batter, let date sugar dissolve. Store date sugar in a tightly closed jar.
Healthier Sugar Tips
• Maple sweetener (sugar and syrup) can be costly. Purchase bulk quantities
to decrease the price. Maple syrup can be stored in the freezer as it does not
freeze solid.
• Use sweet spices, such as vanilla and almond extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg,
clove and allspice to add flavor to cookies.
• For pie fillings, cobblers and crisps, use soaked, pureed or dried fruit
for sweetness instead of adding white sugar.
• When substituting liquid sweeteners for dry (e.g. barely malt syrup),
you will need to reduce the liquid content
For more articles from this author please visit www.truestarhealth.com