The Zoomer Report: Two Sugars

Sugar is sugar, right? Maybe not. Turns out that there is one type of sweetener that helps fill you up, while another leaves you craving more.

The two sugars in question are glucose and fructose. Glucose appears to quell hunger, and fructose seems to ramp it up.

Researchers say the sugars may affect your appetite differently because of the unique ways in which they affect an important appetite-suppressing molecule in the brain.

There’s no problem with the quantities found in fresh fruit. But to avoid the hunger-stimulating effects of fructose, the Oprah doctors Oz and Roizen recommend kicking high-fructose corn sweeteners out of the diet as much as possible. That can be tricky because they’re ubiquitous in processed foods. This stuff is added to soda, commercial sweets, and baked goods, as well as foods that don’t even seem sweet, like ketchup and salad dressing.

The doctors advise saying no to soda and other sweetened drinks, as well as commercial baked goods. And read the label. You’ll find high fructose corn sweeteners in many breads, sweetened yogurts, and condiments. Buy only the brands without them — or those that don’t have them in the first five ingredients.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Joe Biafore

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About The Zoomer Report

Libby ZnaimerLibby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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