[drbjaded]

My dad is on a special diet because he has gout. He is supposed to stay away from refined sugar. Does anyone know what "refined sugar" is and what sugar can he eat? Is Splenda or Equal considered refined sugars? Thanks!

Julie

[Kelly_S]

Splenda and Equal are not refined sugars they are sugar substitues.

refined sugars are sugars that are processed either from sugar cane or sugar beets....ie, white sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar.

Sugars that are not refined are naturally produced like those in fruits. However he will probably have to utilize the gylcemic index to see which are lower in sugar because usually when a diet calls for 'limiting or eliminating' refined sugars it calls for watching all sugars.