Preventing Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other age-related diseases is a growing focus in health and wellness. Research increasingly shows that lifestyle choices, including diet, play a crucial role in reducing the risk of these conditions. One surprising contributor to these health issues is hidden sugars found in many processed foods, from sauces to snack bars.
Excess sugar intake can lead to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress, all of which are linked to the development of Alzheimer’s, cancer risk, and age-related diseases.
We checked in with several health experts to discover three surprising foods you should watch out for because they contain hidden sugars that can be detrimental to brain health and other diseases. The worst culprits included condiments such as ketchup and BBQ sauce, flavored yogurt, and granola bars. Read on to learn more.
1. Ketchup and barbecue sauces
These seemingly harmless sauces are actually packed with sugar! High sugar intake can lead to inflammation throughout the body, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, all of which are linked to these conditions.
"Although these sauces may sound quite innocent, they commonly include high fructose corn syrup or additional sugars. These sugars over time accumulate and lead to inflammation, which accelerates the aging process and raises the chances of cancer," says Dr. Michael Lahey, physician at My Weight Loss Partner.
Instead, he recommends preparing your condiments at home using fresh ingredients.
2. Flavored yogurt
Compared to other breakfast foods such as donuts and pastries, yogurt can seem like an innocent option. However, one look at the labels of many store-bought yogurts will reveal just how many sneaky ingredients and high amounts of sugar they contain!
Dr. Ria Hawle, clinical dietician & nutritionist, notes, "Plain yogurt can be filled with flavors and sweeteners, and I’ve noticed some brands containing 250-300 calories and 25-30 grams of sugar per serving—equivalent to a candy bar. Most of these sugars cause chronic inflammation within the body, including the brain, which makes the aging process of the brain much faster."
Instead, try opting for plain Greek yogurt that is high in protein and drizzle a small amount of honey and berries for some sweetness!
3. Packaged granola bars
Granola bars are cleverly marketed as a healthy option, but just like flavored yogurt, they’re filled with sugar and other unwanted ingredients. Many of these bars use high fructose corn syrup as the sweetener, which can spike blood sugar levels and is also linked to cancer, according to some research. Also, preservatives and additives are commonly found in these items, further contributing to declined cognitive functions.
"Granola bars typically contain several types of sugars and processed ingredients that provide little nutritional value. High sugar intake over time not only fuels inflammation but also impacts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for memory and learning. Low levels of BDNF are connected to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases," explains Dr. Rimas Geiga. He further says inflammation caused by a sugary diet "creates an environment conducive to cancer cell growth."
He suggests making your own bars by using oats, nuts, and seeds along with minimal natural sweeteners such as dates and honey.
