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Sugar

Photo attribution:

Flickr: gringer

Photo attribution:

Wikimedia Commons

Photo attribution:

Flickr: waitscm

Foods Included

Honey, Maple syrup, Molasses, Agave

Description

Sugar comes in many forms and is used to make food sweeter. Common names for sugar include white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, molasses, agave, corn syrup, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, glucose, lactose, malt syrup, raw sugar, or sucrose.

Sugar is not a nutrient that the human body needs, and many people consume too much of it. Too much sugar can contribute to developing chronic diseases, like obesity and type 2 diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sugar to 24g or less per day for women and 36g or less per day for men.

Buy It

Look for sugar in bulk bins -- you can purchase the amount you need and it's often less expensive than bags of sugar.
Avoid high fructose corn syrup. Check ingredient lists in processed foods before buying.
Choose processed foods, like cereal, with less than 10g of sugar per serving.

Learn about your local Farmer's Markets

Store It

Keep white and brown sugars in a cool, dry place.
If honey begins to harden or crystalize, you can dip the jar into warm water in order to make the honey easier to pour.

Why It's Great

Limit added sugars. If you use any, use the smallest amount possible.
While sweeteners like honey and molasses have nutrients, don't be fooled -- they are still forms of sugar.