The difference between added sugar and naturally occurring sugar is clear-cut. Some foods come already "sweetened" by Mother Nature, such as:
- Cherries
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Honey
That's not all the foods that contain naturally occurring sugar, but you should get the idea at this point.
On the other hand, you get added sugar when a processor or manufacturer adds sugars at some point in their preparation process. Think of pastries or candy. The sugars in such foods are usually refined sugars, which means that a natural source is highly processed until just the sugar remains. Some examples of refined sugars include granulated sugar from sugar cane or corn syrup from corn.
The Importance of Sugar
Before we discuss the benefits of reducing added sugar, let's first clarify that sugar is not the "bad guy."
Our bodies
need sugar to function properly. In fact,
the body converts most carbohydrates into glucose, a vital sugar used for
energy. The main culprit is
excessive sugar, primarily added sugar, which
has no added nutritional benefits.
If you are considering changing your diet, it is best to consult a licensed physician or dietitian beforehand. Also, remember that everything is best in moderation (because sometimes we deserve a treat).
The 6 Benefits Of Reducing Added Sugar
Now that we've covered natural vs. added, and why sugar is essential in general, below are six benefits one might experience by reducing their intake of added sugars.