By Penni Jones
Better Living Staff Writer
According to the USDA, the average
American consumes 152 pounds of sugar per year, or about 22 teaspoons per day. Too
much added sugar in your diet can lead to obesity, diabetes, even cancer. But cutting
out sugar completely is not an option because it provides our brain’s primary
source of energy, glucose.
The important thing when it comes to sugar is to consider your source. Fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains contain simple sugars. They also contain vitamins, minerals, protein, phytochemicals and fiber. The presence of fiber makes a difference because it slows down the absorption of sugar and moderates its impact on blood sugar.
Simple sugars such as fruit juice or honey mixed with complex carbohydrates such as legumes or whole grains help create sustained energy. And simple sugars found in fruit or milk help facilitate recovery of muscles after a workout.
When any sugar is added to foods during processing or cooking, it provides calories without any nutrients or fiber. Added sugars can cause glucose levels to rise too high and damage cells all over the body, including the brain.
Current USDA guidelines state that we should have less than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day. If you want to cut out added, or “bad” sugars, you have to be diligent about reading labels. Sugar can turn up in unexpected places like salad dressing and jarred peanut butter. And when a sweet craving hits, reach for fruit instead of a piece of candy. Your body will thank you!
For more information on ways to cut out added sugar and improve your health, please contact Better Living at (734) 747-0123.
The important thing when it comes to sugar is to consider your source. Fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains contain simple sugars. They also contain vitamins, minerals, protein, phytochemicals and fiber. The presence of fiber makes a difference because it slows down the absorption of sugar and moderates its impact on blood sugar.
Simple sugars such as fruit juice or honey mixed with complex carbohydrates such as legumes or whole grains help create sustained energy. And simple sugars found in fruit or milk help facilitate recovery of muscles after a workout.
When any sugar is added to foods during processing or cooking, it provides calories without any nutrients or fiber. Added sugars can cause glucose levels to rise too high and damage cells all over the body, including the brain.
Current USDA guidelines state that we should have less than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day. If you want to cut out added, or “bad” sugars, you have to be diligent about reading labels. Sugar can turn up in unexpected places like salad dressing and jarred peanut butter. And when a sweet craving hits, reach for fruit instead of a piece of candy. Your body will thank you!
For more information on ways to cut out added sugar and improve your health, please contact Better Living at (734) 747-0123.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15278/why-sugar-is-the-new-fat-10-ways-to-break-your-addiction.html
http://www.livescience.com/3186-brain-food-eat-smart.html http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/good-bad-sugars-7608.html
http://www.livescience.com/3186-brain-food-eat-smart.html http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/good-bad-sugars-7608.html
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