Before you eat mints...

The 7 sugary foods you may never eat again after watching this.

Author

Dr. Li
November 03, 2024

On my YouTube channel, I recently covered foods you should avoid if you want to optimize your health defenses and metabolism.

🎯 Pop Quiz

Which of these beneficial bioactives is in real maple syrup (making it a healthier alternative to artificial syrup)?

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How to Approach Sugary Foods
Most of my work is about encouraging the addition of health-promoting foods rather than subtraction, to avoid creating fear, guilt, or shame around food. However, some foods with added sugars have undeniable health risks. My goal here is to help you make informed choices about sugary foods.

  • (01:39) Factory-Made Cookies
    Factory-made cookies contain added sugars and additives, like emulsifiers, which can harm the gut microbiome and trigger inflammation. These cookies also often include preservatives and chemicals that extend shelf life, unlike homemade cookies, which spoil within days.

 

  • (13:14) Hard Candies
    Hard candies, such as mints and lemon drops, dissolve slowly, leading to prolonged sugar exposure in the mouth. This process encourages oral bacteria to convert sugar into acid, eroding tooth enamel and causing cavities. Over time, bacteria-driven gum inflammation (gingivitis) can become systemic, potentially leading to heart disease and brain issues like Alzheimer’s, as gum bacteria are linked to plaque formation in the brain.

 

  • (19:51) Pre-Packaged Yogurts with Fruit Layers
    Although yogurt itself is beneficial, many pre-packaged yogurts contain added sugar-laden fruit jelly. These yogurts often have low-fat labels, leading manufacturers to add sugars and thickeners to make them palatable.

    ✅ Pro Tip: Choose Greek yogurt without added sugars

    or emulsifiers. Instead, add your own fresh fruit - like berries

    or kiwi - to retain yogurt’s natural health benefits.

 

  • (30:29) Artificial Pancake Syrup
    Artificial pancake syrups are often thickened sugar water with artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners, which lack the beneficial bioactives found in real maple syrup.

    ✅ Pro Tip: Real maple syrup has metabolism-boosting

    bioactives like gallic acid and chlorogenic acid.

    Use real maple syrup in moderation for flavor.

Watch the full video to learn more about these foods and my recommendations for what to add to your plate instead:

 

Love your food to love your health,
— Dr. William Li