Sugar is often taboo for many health-conscious people, but when did it become a food villain? Let’s see what the experts really think.
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Sugar is often eliminated from the diet during a weight loss journey.
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Let’s see what experts have to say on this matter.
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Read on to know more.
In recent years, as health and wellness have come into the spotlight, many people have changed their eating habits, with sugar often at the forefront. From giving up sweets to reading ingredient labels, cutting back on sugar has become a huge trend. But wasn’t sugar once a major part of celebrations? Our ancestors enjoyed home-made sweets like laddus and kheer without the slightest thought about calories or health risks and yet seemed to lead healthy lives. So what? Why is sugar, once the lifeblood of every celebration, now considered “toxic”? If you’re wondering this too, here’s what the experts have to say.
Also read: Is brown sugar better than white sugar? You will be surprised!
How much sugar should you really eat a day?
According to NHS UK, your free sugars – which are added to foods and found naturally in honey, syrups and unsweetened juices – should not exceed 5% of your daily calorie intake. This means that adults should keep their daily sugar intake under 30 grams for overall health.
Why has sugar suddenly become harmful to our body?
If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ve probably heard the advice to cut out sugar. But why? Why is sugar suddenly considered harmful or poisonous? After all, our ancestors did not hesitate to enjoy sweets like kheer, laddu and halwa without worrying about health problems.
But nowadays, sugar is considered harmful for two major reasons:
1.Excessive consumption
Nutritionist Simrat Kathuria explains that our ancestors could enjoy sugar because they ate sweets only on special occasions and they were made at home. Today, most of us keep sweet items like cakes, biscuits and cookies in our homes all the time. And even if you skip the junk food, many everyday items like juices, aerated drinks and even some oats are loaded with sugar.
2. Sedentary lifestyle
Your lifestyle plays a huge role in your health. If you spend most of your day sitting at a desk or lounging around, sugary foods may be even worse for you. Without enough physical activity to eliminate sugar, it begins to have adverse effects on your body.
How does excessive sugar affect your health?
Eating too much sugar can have some serious effects on your body. Nutritionist Neha Sahay explains what you might notice when you’re consuming too much sugar:
1. Energy fluctuations
After consuming too much sugar, you may feel an initial surge of energy followed by a major drop. This happens because sugar causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate, leaving you feeling tired after the initial rush.
2. Swollen face
Too much sugar can cause water retention, which leads to puffiness on the face. This happens when your body tries to deal with excess sugar and sodium, which can disrupt your natural balance.
3. Persistent swelling
If you are constantly feeling bloated, sugar could be the reason. Excessive sugar can mess with your digestive system, causing discomfort and making it harder for your body to process food properly.
4. Insomnia
If you’re having trouble sleeping, it may be a result of excess sugar consumption. Sugar can mess up your blood sugar levels, which in turn disrupts your sleep cycle and makes it harder for you to get restful sleep.
5. Skin related problems
Too much sugar can also show up on your skin. From premature wrinkles to frequent rashes, sugar promotes inflammation, which can affect your skin by increasing oil production and reducing its elasticity.
Tips to reduce sugar from your diet
If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, it’s wise to take steps to reduce it before it starts affecting your health. Here’s what Kathuria recommends:
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Skip the sugary snacks and choose fresh fruits instead.
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Read the labels on your foods carefully to make sure you don’t find out if they contain hidden sugars.
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If you can’t eliminate sugar cravings, try switching to natural sweeteners, but keep it in limited amounts.
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Drink enough water throughout the day to help reduce sweet cravings.
Also read:5 types of sugar that are better alternatives to refined sugar
in conclusion
There’s no need to completely cut sugar out of your diet – it’s all about moderation. As long as you’re enjoying it occasionally and in small amounts, it’s okay. But if you have any health issues or concerns, it’s always best to consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.
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