Ditch sugar before it ditches you 🔪
The purpose of this blog is to let you know that sugar - both sucrose and high fructose is the principal cause of the chronic diseases that are most likely to kill us or at-least accelerate our demise in the 21st century. The goal is to explain why these sugars are the most likely suspects and how we arrived at the current situation where a third of all adults are obese, two-third overweight and almost one in seven is diabetic.
Before deep diving, let’s know what sugar actually is?
Sugar is the generic name for sweet and soluble carbohydrates many of which are used in food. Simple sugars are called monosaccharides and include glucose, fructose and galatctose.
History of sugar
Sugar has been produced in the Indian subcontinent since ancient times. It was not plentiful or cheap in early times and honey was more often used for sweetening in most parts of the world. It remained relatively unimportant until Indians discovered methods of turning sugarcane juice into granulated crystals that were easier to store and transport in around 5th century. It was a luxury until the 18th century and became popular and widely available by the 19th century.
How is sugar made?
Raw sugar is sucrose which is extracted from sugarcane. Refined sugar is made from raw sugar that has undergone a refining process to remove molasses. While raw sugar can be consumed, the refining process removes unwanted tastes and result in refined or white sugar.
Hidden sugar 😕
When I ask my clients their consumption of sugar, all they count is their tea and coffee intake. Let me tell you few places where sugar is hiding and going unnoticed.
1- Cereals,including flavored oatmeal, muesli and your favorite cornflakes.
2-Packaged bread, including whole grains 🍞
3- Granola and protein bars( which you happily eat after your workout).
4-So called frozen healthy yogurts.
5-Bottled sauces, dressing and ketch up
6- Dried fruits
7- In your favorite restaurant,on your favorite food( dressing). 🍛
8- Last but not least in cigarettes 🚬 ( smoking is anyway a threat to your life)
So when it comes to sugar don’t just count your tea and coffee intake.
Why sugar should be a big No No? 😦
Because sugar is the main culprit for most of the common chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. It is also a major contributor towards obesity. It is normal to feel an initial sugar rush or burst of energy after having something sweet, but give it a couple of hours and you are likely to feel a crash. It takes toll on your energy, digestion, cravings and mood. The world health organisation states, “ Higher intake of sugar threaten the nutrient quality of diet by providing significant energy( calories) without specific nutrients.” To be very clear — sugar is giving you major health risks and obesity.
Not all types of sugar are bad.
👉Added sugar is the real problem. Fructose ( found in fruits) the type of natural sugar is generally not something to worry about when consumed as part of a balanced diet.The real problem lies in consuming hidden sugar. Keep this in mind that hidden sugar is called “ hidden” for a reason. Ditch sugar and your body will thank you for it.
You are already sweet, you don’t need extra sugar. 😏
Ditch sugar and embrace good health. 😃
Stay tuned for the next post where I discuss some healthy alternatives to sugar. 🍏 🍌 🍇
If you need help to kick-start your fitness regime, comment below 👇 or contact me here. 👈
If you wish to start a healthy habit, take up our White Dolphin Challenge.
Lastly, if you found this article helpful, “clap” 👏 to help others find it 👇
