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Edulcorantes y azúcares - Overview

Definición:

Los azúcares se encuentran en forma natural en la leche y los productos lácteos (lactosa) y las frutas (fructosa). La mayor parte del azúcar en la alimentación estadounidense es de azúcares agregados durante el procesamiento y preparación de los alimentos o en la mesa.

Funciones:

Los edulcorantes hecho con diferentes azúcares:

  • Proporcionan el sabor dulce cuando se agregan a los alimentos.
  • Conservan la frescura y calidad del producto.
  • Actúan como conservantes en las mermeladas y gelatinas, y dan un sabor más intenso a las carnes procesadas.
  • Proporcionan fermentación para los panes y salsas agridulces, dan volumen a las cremas heladas y dan cuerpo a las bebidas carbonatadas.

Cuando usted consume alimentos que contienen azúcares naturales (como fruta), estos alimentos también incluyen vitaminas, minerales y fibra.

Sin embargo, muchos alimentos con azúcares agregados sólo contienen calorías. Estos alimentos y bebidas con frecuencia se denominan calorías "vacías".

La mayoría de las personas sabe que hay mucho azúcar agregado en las bebidas gaseosas. Sin embargo, muchas personas no se dan cuenta de que las aguas populares " vitaminadas", las bebidas para deportistas, las bebidas de café y las bebidas energizantes también contienen mucho azúcar agregado.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/5/2011
  • Alison Evert, MS, RD, CDE, Nutritionist, University of Washington Medical Center Diabetes Care Center, Seattle, WAshington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Referencias

Johnson RJ, Appel LJ, Brands M, Howard BV, Lefevre M, Lustig RH, et al. Dietary Sugars Intake and Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2009;120:1011-1020.

Franz MJ, et al. American Diabetes Association Nutrition Recommendations and Guidelines. Diabetes Care. 2008;31 (Suppl 1):S61-S78.

Malik VS, Popkin BM, Bray GA, Després JP, Willett WC, Hu FB. Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Diabetes Care. 2010;33:2477-2483.

United States Department of Agriculture. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 2010. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2010.

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