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FATTENBERG? IT’S NO SURPRISE...
When it was announced that Battenberg cake topped the list of sugary treats, it wasn’t a big shock. The study by Action on Sugar – which looked at 29 types of cake from a variety of brands and supermarkets – said that, on average, one 50g slice of the pink and yellow treat could contain seven teaspoons of sugar. That’s an adult’s maximum recommended daily intake.
Yes, but it’s cake! Of course we know it’s full of sugar! The bigger problem is ‘hidden’ sugar found in everyday foods.
Scientists are only just discovering the potential damage caused by excess sugar. There’s the obvious weight gain and the problems that it brings, while consuming excess sugar has also been linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression and ageing.
Here are a few top tips to monitor your intake… 1. Avoid foods labelled as low-fat, as it can mean there’s more sugar added. 2. Fond of ketchup? Think one teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon of sauce. 3. Ready-made pasta sauces often have added sugar. Try making your own – put tomatoes in the blender with herbs, then add them to a pan of fried mushrooms and caramelised onions. 4. Baked beans – some brands are high in sugar. 5. Sport drinks are no different to any other sugary drink – check out the label. 6. Ready-made soups? Check for added sugar. 7. Breakfast granola – ditto. Other offenders are BBQ sauces, flavoured iced teas, smoothies and vitamin waters.
Craving sugar? Swap a mocha for a green tea, and crisps for cashew nuts. Spiralise courgettes instead of using dried pasta, or add cinnamon to plain yoghurt. Sugar cravings have been linked to magnesium deficiency, so take capsules or soak in a salt bath.