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Ask the Expert: Kathleen Zelman
Sugar Discussion
If you are paying attention to the media you know that sugar is in the middle of a very heated debate. It is being blamed for everything that ails us in terms of obesity. One of our viewers wants to know, is there any particular type of sugar that is worse or more likely to make you fat than the others? The answer is no. When you eat sugar, whether it’s brown sugar, white sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, when you absorb the sugar in your body it all acts the same. It’s very, very similar. So, on the cellular level, on the level where maybe it counts, it is no different what so ever.
Several studies have looked at high-fructose corn syrup because it is being villanized as the cause of obesity. Even though I have to put in my two cents that no single food is the cause. It is really too many calories and not enough exercise. Not sugar, not fat, not French fries, the combination. But, I digress.
So, when you look at sugar, you look at high-fructose corn syrup, and you look at sucrose, that’s table sugar, they are the same. They are almost identical in terms of their chemical make-up. Once you absorb them and digest them; they really function virtually the same.
There is a recent study that looked at all different kinds of studies to determine; is there a difference? They concluded that essentially sugar is sugar and that is what the problem is. Not too much high-fructose corn syrup, not too much sucrose. Just too much sugar in general.
So, sugar is basically empty calories. It does not offer a lot of good nutritional value. Extra calories? The American Heart Association says you can have about 100 extra sugar calories a day but not much more than that because that is when it could lead to increased weight gain.
So, curtail your sugar. Try to cut back and remember sugar is hidden in lots of things like salad dressings, and ketchup, and crackers, and obviously sweet things but look at the label and know that any kind of sugar, when it’s added, will work the same in your body.
Ask the Expert
The Facts About Sugar
Question: Is there any type of sugar that's worse for me than the others?
Answer from: Kathleen Zelman, R.D., nutrition expert
Some people blame one type of sugar for America's obesity epidemic. The truth is that in your body all sugars act the same.
The content of these videos is for information only and is not intended to be medical advice. Refer to your health plan benefit guide for coverage details, and consult with your doctor to determine what is best for you.
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