Since childhood, we are tormented by the sugar monster: in sweets, cakes, biscuits... Basically everything that children like. However, sugar is a key part of the proper functioning of the human organism.
We will show you the other side of sugar so you can draw your own conclusions. Curious?
Sugar, why is it important?
Just as a car cannot run without petrol or energy, you cannot live without carbohydrates like sugar. It contributes to the proper functioning of the nervous system and brain, and it also gives you a boost of energy when you need it most. For those who are more curious, sugar should be integrated into our diet, providing between 45% and 65% of our daily energy.
Sugar, where are you?
Sugar comes in many shapes and forms. But let´s good this in steps.
Did you know that sugar is not naturally white? White sugar, the sugar in coffee packets, goes through numerous chemical refining processes. In this processed form, it is also sold as a sweetener and added to various products we consume (even those that are not sweet). Because it is present in so many foods, it is this sugar that you should be especially careful with.
Next is brown sugar, known as such because of its high percentage of molasses. As it does not go through many chemical processes, it can preserve its nutritional properties, contributing to our health.
Finally, the purest of the purest! We are obviously talking about sugar that comes directly from the sugar cane plant. The much acclaimed green sugar. It contains all its properties in their best form. Just as it should be.
Sugar in food, is it possible?
Yes, sugar is a well-travelled gentleman and so it goes around the food wheel. In fruit and honey, he found Fructose and its half-sister Sucrose. He went on his way and came across pasty milks and cheeses: in other words, Lactose. And in the end, it joined the cereals and their derivatives with Starch.
Sugar: a simple or complex type?
Life is not all black or all white. And the life of sugar is no exception.
Simple sugars are absorbed more quickly, as is the case with lactose and fructose. Complex sugars, on the other hand, are absorbed more slowly, through the ingestion of Starch (which is like saying, potatoes, cereals, and others).
However, simple sugars are tricky and, consumed in excess, they cause problems for the body and mind because they can accelerate cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Does that mean it is dangerous to eat fruit in our daily life? Scroll down and clear your doubts.
But is fruit good, bad, or villainous?
Fruit is rich in simple sugars, but not only. It also has several vitamins, minerals and fibres that are important for our health.
Besides, you know, giving you the energy you need.
Fortunately, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the sugar in fruit does not represent a health risk. The so called fructose;, being both a natural sugar and a simple carbohydrate, should enter the daily count of simple sugars consumed.
But now enough theory. Let´s get down to practice!
Here, we share with you the fruits with less sugar and which are some of the stars of the Sonatural juices.
1| Lemon
It may seem a lie, but for the most distracted, yes, lemon has sugar. Less than one gram per unit. Thanks to all its properties and benefits, it is present in several of our natural fruit juices.
2 | Avocado
The fruit of fashion. Its nutrients have little more than two grams of sugar for each 100-gram serving! That´s why it´s one of our favourite fruits. Ok ok, that and because of the avocado juice .
3 | Red Fruits
Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are some of the most stylish fruits. Rich in antioxidants and full of fibre, they have between 5 grams to 7 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
4 | Watermelon
The queen of summer. Especially in our watermelon juice. It has a high percentage of water and, despite the sweetness, contains only 5.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
The final verdict
Sugar is essential for our body, but not in all shapes and forms. That is why it is important to control its consumption. And regarding this, there is no doubt. Naturally, sugar that is so natural is always better.
