01/13/2025
.
Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients (alongside proteins and fats) that provide energy to the body. They are composed of sugar molecules and exist in three main forms:
✅ Sugars: Simple carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, fructose, lactose).
✅ Starches: Complex carbohydrates found in foods like bread, pasta, and potatoes.
✅ Fiber: A type of carbohydrate the body can’t digest but is beneficial for gut health.
“Added Sugar”, I call it hidden sugar
“Added sugars” are sugars that are introduced to foods during processing or preparation. They are not naturally present in the food but are added to enhance sweetness, flavor, or preservation.
Examples:
- Energy drinks, fruit drinks
- Table sugar (sucrose)
- High-fructose corn syrup
- Breakfast cereals and bars
- Candy, Icecream
- Honey or maple syrup (when used as additives)
- Sugars in sweetened candies, pastries, etc.
- Sweetened tea and coffee
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 6% of calories each day. For most American women, that’s no more than 100 calories per day, or about 6 teaspoons of sugar. For men, it’s no more than 150 calories per day, or about 9 teaspoons.
