“Natural” vs. “Added” Sugars: Know the Difference
Natural sugars are found in whole, unprocessed foods, such as milk, fruit, vegetables and some grains. The most common natural sugars are fructose, which is found in fruit, and lactose, which is found in milk products. Added sugar is the sugar added to processed food and drinks while they are being made, as well as sugar you add to your food at home. There are serious health consequences to consuming added sugar. Too much added sugar in your diet can contribute to tooth decay, obesity, difficulty controlling type 2 diabetes, higher triglyceride levels, lower HDL (also called “good”) cholesterol levels, and heart disease.
Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
