If you’re trying to slim down, you may be making extra efforts to limit your intake of refined sugar. However, while there are many obvious choices to avoid in the food and beverage department, such as sweet pastries and sugary soda, there are also a few sneaky sources of sugar that you may not even be aware are holding you back from your weight loss goals.
To discover one of the worst healthy-seeming options that could have you fooled, we checked in with Catherine Gervacio, registered dietitian for Living.Fit. She told us that, unfortunately, many bottled teas are actually loaded with sugar. Read on to learn more about how this common drink could be contributing to belly fat over time.
Bottled tea
If you're browsing beverages at the grocery store, a bottle of iced tea may stand out as a healthier option among a sea of sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks, and more. However, Gervacio says this isn't necessarily the case. While tea absolutely has its health benefits (including weight loss!), many bottled teas are also loaded with sugar and can result in belly fat when drank in excess.
"Teas are often seen as a healthier alternative to sugary soft drinks or juices," Gervacio notes. "By adding hidden sugars, companies can maintain the illusion of a healthier product while still providing a sweet taste." Say it ain't so!
She also points out that in addition to helping sweeten the flavor, "Sugar can act as a preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of bottled teas."
If you frequently sip on this sweetened beverage under the assumption that it's a healthy choice, you could be setting yourself up for weight gain. "Consumers may unknowingly consume higher amounts of sugar than they expect, potentially undermining their efforts to reduce their sugar intake," Gervacio warns.
But what does all that sugar do to your body, anyway? There are a number of health risks associated with excessive consumption of this sweet stuff. As far as weight gain goes, Gervacio breaks it down for us:
"Excess sugar in the bloodstream triggers the release of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels," she says. "Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose (sugar) into cells, including fat cells. In the presence of high insulin levels, fat storage is stimulated, particularly in the belly area." Yikes!
Of course, a bit of sugar every now and then won't kill you—and neither will drinking a bottle of your favorite sweet tea from time to time. However, it's always important to be aware of the risks at hand. Don't let yourself be fooled by this healthy-seeming drink; remember to practice moderation and choose unsweetened options, or those made with natural sweeteners, whenever possible.
READ MORE: This Is The Worst Type Of Bottled Beverage To Drink If You Want To Lose Weight, Dietitians Say
