Close X
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

The Better Side of Sugar

BY NAINA GREWAL, 29 Jan, 2020 10:59 PM

    Eating too much sugar is linked to bodily problems.

    You eat more sugar than you may think. Whole wheat bread, ketchup, crackers, salad dressings, fruit juice and non-dairy milk are just some common staple foods that contain added sugars. As these items are slowly digested by your body, they are used by your cells for energy, although sugar has no nutritional value on its own. However, eating too much sugar is linked to bodily problems. Such problematic sugar is sourced in manufactured items containing high amounts of added sugar for the purposes of taste and/or shelf life. Candies, baked goods, and soft drinks are examples.

    According to Statistics Canada, the average Canadian consumes over 25 teaspoons of sugar in a day. Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada recommends that you consume no more than 10 per cent of total calories per day from added sugars, and ideally less than five per cent; 10 per cent roughly translates to about 12 teaspoons. Sugars are evidently found in fruits or vegetables but need not be avoided as there are many other beneficial compounds present as well.

    While sugar is often deemed as harmful and it is suggested that we avoid too much of it, an important part of understanding its impacts stems from the root question: why do we crave sugar? Cravings for any type of food is caused by the same area of the brain that controls memory, pleasure and reward. While sugar cravings may result from a sugar imbalance, they may also stem from memory of endorphins that are released after consumption. This is the same behaviour addiction display. Therefore, an emotional element is also present.

    After recognizing the root issue, it is just as important to understand the effects sugar has on the body. One of the most common side effects is diabetes, alongside heart disease. Other unwanted health issues include obesity, high blood cholesterol and cavities. A sugar-rich diet also leads to skin problems such as acne. Another possibility is the increased risk of depression as sugar has been known to increase inflammation throughout the body, including the brain itself.

    The intent is not a sugar scare; not all these issues are bound to happen to you. Rather, the point is to steer clear of the risk of developing such issues through moderation and conscious awareness.

    Heart & Stroke mentions the following ways to reduce your sugar intake:

    Drinking dirty
    Sugar comes in liquid forms as well! Flavour your water with healthy options such as strawberries.
    Avoid over-consumption of drinks like the below:
    • Pop = 10 teaspoons of sugar
    • Specialty Coffee = 7 teaspoons of sugar
    • 100% Orange Juice = 5.5 teaspoons of sugar
    • Sports Drinks = 5 teaspoons of sugar

    Think whole
    Try to leave foods as close to their natural state as possible. Do not process foods often or dress them with heavily processed food alternatives.

    Snack smart
    A seemingly small food item can contain high amounts of concentrated sugar, such as a muffin or pastry. Try yogurt or veggies with a dip if you need something to munch on.

    Proactive prepping
    Cook at home rather than eating out. Choose recipes that involve lower sugar levels.

    Know what you eat
    Do not forget to read the nutritional labels or ingredients list when you go for groceries. If sugar is listed as the first or second ingredient on a product, the sugar levels are most probably high. If you know what you are putting in your body, you are better equipped to treat it well.

    With these easy changes, you will be able to notice a significant difference in the way you feel and think. The idea is not to completely erase sugar from your diet, but to gradually make healthier decisions when it comes to the type and quantity of sugar you are consuming.

    MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

    Sleep Apnea: Common but not well known

    Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common condition but remains under diagnosed mainly due to the fact that most symptoms occur during sleep. 

    Sleep Apnea: Common but not well known

    Couple Fitness: Tips for Newlyweds

    A few pointers, which can help you coast clear of the unwanted pounds as you transition into married life.

    Couple Fitness: Tips for Newlyweds

    Sleeping with the TV on may make you gain weight

    Too much exposure to light at night could pose health risks.

    Sleeping with the TV on may make you gain weight

    Lowering BP, sodium intake may cut 94 mn early deaths worldwide

    Cutting sodium intake by 30 per cent could stave off another 40 million deaths

    Lowering BP, sodium intake may cut 94 mn early deaths worldwide

    Dietary supplements could harm your health

    Supplements were linked to nearly three times as many severe medical outcomes in young people.

    Dietary supplements could harm your health

    Nicotine in e-cigarettes raises chronic bronchitis risk: Study

    A single session of vaping can deliver more nicotine in the airways than smoking one cigarette

    Nicotine in e-cigarettes raises chronic bronchitis risk: Study