True Health Project

Do you know fruit juices are not as healthy as you think they are?

What you are eating right now may not be what you think it is.  You see, over the past couple of decades, food companies have begun to capitalize upon a growing epidemic: sugar addiction.  You may not believe it, but check the label.  Somehow, they’ve found a way to sneak some sugar into your white bread, into your oatmeal, your bacon, your potato chips, your pickles, your crackers… the list goes on and on.  But the scariest aspect of this is the foods disguised as healthy which actually aren’t.  In this article we will discuss a few ingredients in popular food items which you may believe to be healthy but actually aren’t.

1)      Fructose

Fructose is a simple monosaccharide and a common ingredient in many foods you eat including berries, honey, cereal, and salad dressing amongst others.  A mixture of fructose and glucose comprises the dangerous ingredient of high-fructose corn syrup.  This is a popular ingredient in carbonated soft drinks such as Pepsi and Dr. Pepper, whose health risks are well documented.  However, high-fructose corn syrup is also commonly used in fruit juices as a sweetener.  Ranging from common fruit juices (Apple, Orange, and Cranberry) to Gatorade, many of these contain high-fructose corn syrup despite being advertised as “healthy” products.  Fructose has many negative effects on your body including links to heart disease through the production of triglycerides.  Additionally, many scientists believe they are connected to weight gain due to the fact that unlike glucose, fructose doesn’t stimulate insulin.

2)      Lactose

You are likely familiar with lactose due to its frequent mentions in relation to milk products.  What many people may not know is that lactose is actually a sugar.  There are plenty of conflicting reports regarding the health benefits/dangers of dairy products.  The information comes from many different sources to the point that it confuses most.  Lactose is one of the main ingredients in all dairy products, but it is not required in the human diet.  Many develop the inability to digest lactose and become known as “lactose intolerant.”  Beyond that, there is also ongoing research into the role of lactose in ovarian problems as well as cataracts.

3)      Sucrose

Much like fructose, sucrose is commonly found in many food items.  It has links to diabetes, gout, obesity, among other things.  Sucrose is commonly found in just about every junk food item conceivable including cakes, pies, cookies, and ice cream.  Everyone is well aware of the health hazards associated with sweets.  However, sucrose can also be found in many “health” foods.  Fresh fruits and vegetables like pineapple, peaches, oranges, corn and sweet potatoes often contain high levels of sucrose. Much like fructose, fruit juices also contain high amounts of sucrose as well.

These are just a few of the many “health” food items which contain natural sugars that can be harmful to your health.  Unfortunately, many of these foods are advertised as “healthy” and people will unknowingly trust a label without doing proper research.  The best approach is to fully acquaint yourself with labels and terms so you become aware of what you are truly eating.  Never trust an advertisement, your health may depend on it.

Photo by realSMILLEY/ Matthias Rhomberg