When it comes to weight and health, sugar has been a topic of discussion for a long time. So, let’s dive into the truth about sugar and its impact on our bodies.
Sugar is a carbohydrate that is naturally found in many foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. However, it’s the added sugars in processed and packaged foods that have been linked to negative health effects. Added sugars are those that are not naturally occurring and are added to foods during processing and preparation.
Disease Risk
Consuming too much added sugar can contribute to weight gain and an increased risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. This is because added sugars are high in calories and low in nutrients, leading to an overall imbalance in our diets.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting added sugars to less than 10% of your daily calorie intake, which is around 50 grams or 12 teaspoons per day. But the average Australian consumes much more than that – around 22 teaspoons per day!
Energy Balance
When it comes to weight management, added sugars can disrupt our body’s ability to regulate energy balance, leading to overeating and weight gain. Additionally, high sugar diets can lead to insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
To make healthier choices, it’s important to be mindful of added sugars in our diets. Check food labels and ingredient lists to identify added sugars and limit your consumption. Try swapping sugary drinks for water or unsweetened beverages and opt for fresh fruits as a sweet snack instead of processed treats.
Limit your Sugar Intake!
In conclusion, sugar is an important part of our diets but it’s important to limit our intake of added sugars for the best health outcomes. By making smart choices, we can maintain a healthy weight, reduce our risk of chronic diseases, and feel our best!