Heart Research UK urges people to avoid hidden sugars
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AVOIDING hidden sugars is vital in maintaining good heart health but it is not always easy.
There are so many food products which have added sugar but it is not instantly obvious to many shoppers.
Heart Research UK is a charity dedicated for the last 50 years to drive advancements in the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.
In the last 10 years alone, it has funded over £10.2m in medical research in hospitals and universities across the UK, as well as £2.2m on innovative community-based lifestyle projects to improve the heart health of the nation.
Reducing your intake of sugar can have a beneficial impact on heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Of course, consuming some sugar in your diet is perfectly fine, and many healthy foods such as fruit contain naturally occurring sugars.
However, it is the added sugar people need to be cautious of as this is usually what pushes our intake above healthy levels.
Table sugar, soft drinks, sweets, and cakes contain high levels of added sugar and people can choose to eat these in moderation. However, many foods that people may not be aware of can contain high levels of sugar.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a great source of calcium and protein, but it can also be full of hidden sugars. Opt for natural, unsweetened yogurt and avoid flavoured varieties, you can add fruit if you want to add some natural sweetness.
It’s also a good idea to choose a live yoghurt, meaning it contains beneficial bacteria that our guts love, look for the word live on the packet.
Condiments and sauces
Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments worldwide and it is high in sugar, containing on average one teaspoon of sugar per one tablespoon of sauce.
Many other shop-bought condiments and sauces can contain high levels of added sugar. Always check the label when shopping and consider swapping your shop-bought sauces for homemade, added sugar free versions like a veggie-packed tomato sauce.
Fruit juice
Although 100% pressed juice does contain vitamins and minerals, it’s devoid of fibre and very high in sugar.
Swap your fruit juices for eating the whole fruit which contains lots of fibre which also protects the heart. Save the fruit juice for special occasions, as you would other soft drinks, and only drink it alongside a balanced meal.
For more tips on how to stay healthy go to www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.
