Everyone knows too much sugar is bad for them. But did you know that sugar actually plays an important role in our body? Technically, sugar is a carbohydrate and energy source when it’s included in our diet. There are several different kinds though, like glucose, fructose, lactose and sucrose. In order to avoid the health problems that can stem from eating too much sugar, it’s important to be able to make the distinction between ‘good’ and ‘bad’.

Sugar is usually used as a word to describe sweet, processed food, but it can actually be found in most foods and beverages. Sugar occurs naturally in things like fruit, vegetables, honey and dairy, while it’s added to other things like bread, cakes, yogurt, pies, muesli bars, snack foods and more.

While it can be part of a healthy diet if it’s eaten in moderation, most people err on the side of overindulgence.