The sugars that are found in processed and manufactured foods are not the same as those in fresh fruits and vegetables and milk. Foods that contain naturally occurring sugars are healthier because they tend to be lower in calories and sodium, and have a high-water content which contains many important vitamins and minerals that the body needs.
Naturally occurring sugars are present in everyday foods like fruits and starchy vegetables, whole grain foods and minimally processed carbohydrates like brown rice and whole grain pasta and even milk products like yogurt and cheese. When consumed, naturally occurring sugars are not digested as quickly as refined and processed sugars. This reduces the likelihood of blood sugar spikes and drops. Additionally, the “Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research” states that fruits and dairy contain fructose and lactose which are natural sugars that are digested slower than added sugar and keeps your metabolism stable over time. Sugars found naturally in food are more than enough to sustain your body. Natural sugars are processed more slowly, meaning you will have a gradual supply of glucose keeping preventing your blood glucose level from rapidly dropping, resulting in feeling of hunger leading to excessive eating and weight gain.
When you choose to eat whole foods, you are choosing to eat healthier sources of sugars. Meals that include lean proteins with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans and seeds digest more slowly and keeps your blood glucose levels stable.
The cancer center advises to “Drink more water or lower-fat milk, limit your consumption of candy, chocolates, cakes, pies, pastries and cookies, limit sugary beverages such as soda, fruit punch, flavored milks and fruit drinks and learn to read food labels to help you make informed choices when purchasing foods.
Natural honey, molasses, unrefined maple syrup, fruits purees, dates and prunes and stevia are examples of healthier alternatives; they maintain more nutritional value and can be used in moderation can in the place of refined sugars.