Nutrition : Does Sugar Make You Gain Weight
|
By: Ruthan Brodsky
 
Date Submitted: 2009-07-09 09:56:28 - Article Views: 20164
|
|
I recently enjoyed an early lunch with another couple at a neighborhood restaurant. She brought a slice of sour dough whole wheat bread because she didn't want any sugar. The bread served at the restaurant contained sugar because sugar helps bread to rise.
Sugars have made headlines for years but the story about sugars is often incomplete and confusing. First sugars are a natural part of many foods and are a functional ingredient in others. Whether they're natural or added in the manufacturing process or during cooking or at the table, they do enhance taste, texture and the aroma of many foods.
That is the reason why sugars are added to prepared foods including baked goods, jellies and preserves, canned and frozen fruit and candies.
They add texture, flavor and color to baked foods helping them brown evenly.
They help bread to rise.
They contribute to the volume of ice cream, baked goods and jams.
They enhance the creamy texture of frozen desserts.
They enhance flavor and balance the natural acidity in non-sweet foods such as salad dressings, sauces and condiments.
They preserve the flavor, aroma, and color of the fruits used in jellies, jams and preserves and prevents them from spoiling once the jar is open.
They improve the flavor and help preserve the natural color and shape of fruits used in canning and freezing.
I do not believe that one class of foods alone can cause weight gain. Put simply, we gain weight when we take in more calories than we burn no matter the source of the calories such as fats, alcohol, carbohydrates or sugar. To avoid weight gain, we need to balance the number of calories we consume with the number of calories we expend. To lose weight, we need to either take in fewer calories or expend more.
Added and Natural Sugars
The term added and naturally occurring are used when referring to sugar. There is no chemical difference between added or natural sugars. However, the source of the sugars may differ. Sugars found in unprocessed foods are considered naturally occurring. Sugar added in processing is called added sugar.
Regardless of their source, the same sugar is digested and metabolized in the same way by your body. Both can also be part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods.
People need to enjoy sugars in moderation. Dieticians recommend limiting added sugars because they contribute calories which help provide energy but few other nutrients. Depending on your choice of foods, added sugars could possible replace more nutrient-dense foods along with the vitamins and minerals they provide.
I don't think that people with weight problems consume more sugars than normal people or have a special sweet tooth. In fact, I find that when I include something sweet in my diet it makes my reduced calorie diet more appealing when I'm trying to lose weight. |
|
|
 Author Resource Required for Reprint:
I invite you to learn more about why you have been eating the wrong types of foods and following the wrong nutrition plan. Find out the real facts about how to lose body fat and keep it off forever atHealthyWeightLossSuccessGuide
|
|
Article Source:
Echievements
Back to Top
|
Tags:
Ruthan Brodsky  sugar sugars weight gain natural sugars calories sweetness |
|
|
Bookmark and Share
|
|
 Nutrition Category Rss Feed |
-
Chocolate fundraisers used to be the fundraiser everyone relied on. However the times, along with laws and regulations, have changed.
Viewed: 98 Times.
Read More ...
-
In this day and age, it is already quite evident how each and every person in our society has a weakened immunity.
Viewed: 98 Times.
Read More ...
-
The drawbacks of reverse osmosis water filtration systems are far reaching. Before you get sucked into buying such an expensive system, take the time out the examine the pros and cons
Viewed: 98 Times.
Read More ...
-
Free radicals are the by-products of cellular metabolism. This process is also called oxidation. It means that any activity the cell does in the course of a day, produces a waste product.
Viewed: 98 Times.
Read More ...
-
The consumption of nuts, seeds, and popcorn have long been considered dietary no-noes for those with a painful digestive disorder known as diverticulitis.
Viewed: 99 Times.
Read More ...
|
|
| Ruthan Brodsky's Author Feed |
-
This article explains why commitant is required to make changes in your career or for your personal health. Examples of making changes in both are given.
Viewed: 108 Times.
Read More ...
-
This article explains the physical and emotional benefits that meditation brings to your emotional and physical health when used to reduce stress. The author also describes different types listing their common characteristics.
Viewed: 114 Times.
Read More ...
-
The article explains sugar by putting it into perspective as a natural ingredient of many foods and a functional ingredient in many others. The author describes the functions of sugar and gives reasons why and why sugar is seldom the only culprit for gaining weight.
Viewed: 164 Times.
Read More ...
-
This article describes the importance of planning for retirement to avoid major disruptions. When planning is impossible, the author provides several tips to enhance the quality of retirement.
Viewed: 180 Times.
Read More ...
|
|
Article use is considered your agreement of our Terms of Service.
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Thanks for visiting Echievements
Copyright © 2008 - 2011 Echievements
Back to Top
|
Print
