Sugar

Definition

A sweet crystallizable material that consists wholly or essentially of sucrose. Sugar is colorless or white when pure and more brown when less refined. It is obtained commercially from sugarcane or sugar beet and less extensively from sorghum, maples, and palms.

Also Known As

White Sugar, Sugar Syrup

Health Impact

Sugar that is not labeled as organic or non-GMO is likely sourced from GMO or bioengineered beets. Check for the warning "Contains a bioengineered ingredient" in the ingredients list to confirm. Excessive added sugar intake is associated with adverse health conditions, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory diseases. Excessive sugar consumption may trigger neuroadaptations in the brain that decouple eating behavior from caloric needs and leads to compulsive overeating. The American Heart Association suggests an added-sugar limit of no more than 24 grams of sugar for most women and no more than 36 grams of sugar for most men each day.

Sources

• Sugar

  Merriam-Webster

• Impact of sugar on the body, brain, and behavior

  Pub Med

• Added Sugar in the Diet

  Harvard School of Public Health

Products containing Sugar

Better Options Available

Flowers Foods, Inc.

Honey Wheat Enriched Bread

Better Options Available

Nabisco Biscuit Company

Honey Grahams Crackers

Better Options Available

Maruchan, Inc.

Ramen Noodle Soup Chicken Flavor