Flavoured yoghurt to ketchup: Hidden sources of sugar and fat that are making you sick

If flavoured yoghurt, ketchup, and breakfast cereals are part of your regular grocery shopping, it's time to assess your dietary choices. A new study finds that some of the seemingly healthy foods could be hiding loads of added sugar and saturated fat in them.

The US government’s 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans has recommended limiting added sugar and saturated fat to less than 10% of the daily calories. However, not many are able to follow these guidelines due to hidden sources of sugar, fat and salt which can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

Consuming excessive sugar and fat every day can put you at greater risk of fatty liver disease, diabetes, blood pressure and raise risk of heart disease and stroke.

Here are some of the hidden sources of sugar that are making you sick

Breakfast cereals: Breakfast cereals contain a lot of sugar. Just because they are promoted to be healthy and nutritious doesn't mean they don't contain hidden sugar. Read food labels to enlighten yourself and cut brands that have high amounts of sugar. Having this item regularly in breakfast can make you susceptible to a range of diseases.

Sugary beverages: They may be disguised as diet drinks or fruit juices to look authentic and safe. But they are not. One look at the food label will reveal all the hidden sources of sugar in them. Even overconsumption of artificial sweeteners can backfire. Beverages like cold drinks, energy drinks, juices, and smoothies have high sugar content and can risk your heart health.

Ketchups or sauces: Any kind of dressing you use on your food contains a high amount of sugar. Ketchup, mayonnaise, pasta sauce, etc., are filled with sugar to add flavor to them.

Flavoured yoghurt: Yoghurt is healthy, but its flavoured version is usually loaded with sugar. Some of Yoghurt brands may contain as much sugar as a candy bar. Flavoured yogurts contain excess sugar, which can make you sick.

Hidden sources of fats

Nuts: Nuts and seeds have a wealth of important nutrients for your overall well-being. However, you need to choose your nuts wisely. Salted nuts are fun to munch on, but they contain a lot of fat, which is not good for your health.

Dairy products: Some of the cheese products may contain an excess amount of fat. While they are a good source of calcium, if consumed in excess, they might make you sick.

Baked goods: Pastries, bread, muffins, croissants, and cakes have loads of fat and sugar, the deadly combination that can cause obesity and related health problems.