Can 'no added sugar' products affect blood sugar? Yes. Learn why these foods can still be high in natural sugars or carbs and impact your glucose levels.
1 Answer
Yes, a product labeled 'no added sugar' can still raise blood sugar levels because it may naturally contain sugars or be high in carbohydrates, which the body converts to glucose.
Detailed Explanation:
The term 'no added sugar' means that no sugars were added to the product during processing or packaging. However, the product may naturally contain sugars, such as fructose in fruit or lactose in milk. These naturally occurring sugars still affect blood sugar levels. Furthermore, many foods, especially those high in carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and rice, are broken down into glucose during digestion. This glucose is then absorbed into the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels. Therefore, even if a product has 'no added sugar,' its overall carbohydrate content can significantly impact blood sugar. It's crucial to look at the total carbohydrate content and the glycemic index of the food, not just whether it has added sugar.
Pro Tip:
Always check the nutrition facts label for total carbohydrates, fiber, and sugar content, even if the product is labeled 'no added sugar.' Fiber can help slow down the absorption of sugar, mitigating the blood sugar spike.