Natural vs. Added Sugar: What's the Difference for Teens?

📚 What is Natural Sugar?

Natural sugars are those found inherently in foods. Think fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These sugars come packaged with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other beneficial nutrients.

🍎 What is Added Sugar?

Added sugars are sugars that are added to foods during processing or preparation. This includes table sugar (sucrose), high-fructose corn syrup, and other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup when used in processed foods.

📊 Natural vs. Added Sugar: A Side-by-Side Comparison

🔑 Key Takeaways for Teens

• 🍎 Focus on Whole Foods: Choose whole, unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables as your primary sources of sweetness. These come with essential nutrients.
• 🧐 Read Labels Carefully: Become a label detective! 🕵️‍♀️ Check the ingredients list for added sugars like sucrose, glucose, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, and corn syrup solids. The higher up they are on the list, the more sugar the product contains.
• 🥤 Limit Added Sugar Intake: Reduce your consumption of sugary drinks (soda, juice, sports drinks) and processed snacks. These are major sources of added sugars.
• 💡 Choose Healthier Alternatives: Opt for naturally sweetened alternatives like fruit-infused water, unsweetened yogurt with berries, or homemade granola with a touch of honey.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Balance with Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help your body use sugar more efficiently and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• 🧑‍🍳 Cook at Home: Preparing your own meals and snacks allows you to control the amount of sugar that goes into your food.
• 🤝 Make Informed Choices: Understanding the difference between natural and added sugars empowers you to make healthier food choices for a lifetime.