Sugar

Got a sweet tooth?

A lot can be said about sugar! It’s everywhere and in places you might not even want it. Let’s start at the beginning, sugar or sucrose that which is in your food is composed of glucose and fructose. Both parts help you get the sweetness profile that you seek. Both parts also help to release various chemicals in your brain like dopamine. You know that feeling when you want more of that caramel latte after you just had one..well, that’s because dopamine is released and makes you feel happy!

 So what has this led to? Well, as the news shows, it has caused an increase in obesity and that’s due to an increase in sugar consumption! 

Often times, I look at a product and wonder why it is sweet when no sugar is listed on there. Well, it is listed but just as something else–corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, acesulfame k, cane sugar, mannitol, rice sugar, and many other terms. So what can you do about it?

 Yes, there are many alternatives to sugar today like stevia, monk fruit extract, honey, erythritol, and more but consider the health benefits of each of the ingredients before you consume it. 

Why am I opposed to the alternatives, mostly because before Americans got sick, processed foods were so limited. What was natural was available and over production of items was not likely. I’m sure some of you can remember walking in the cereal aisle and seeing only the yellow box Cheerios or Kellogg’s Cornflakes, now there are dozens of cereals there? Why? Do people want them or is it just one more way to you to enjoy a sweet treat or indulgence that you otherwise would not have picked up? 

I like to indulge with 70% dark chocolate so as to satisfy my chocolate craving and of course, higher the cacao content in chocolate, the better is for you and the more bitter it taste! Funny, how good things tend to taste not so pleasant–ahem, brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale, etc.

Fruits are another good option but be careful if you are on a low carb diet or watching your weight because though fruits can have fiber and have the healthy halo, indulging in too much could also increase your sugar level though this sugar is properly better for your body than say some of the alternatives to sugar.

Everyone has to make the best choice for themselves as well as their families, sometimes convenience wins over healthy eating but we can always continue to try to eat better! Let’s face it, if you limit sugar intake, a lot of dramatic changes are possible from weight loss, reduced medication intake, and even reduced acne.

If you are interested in learning more about sugar, do check some documentaries on Netflix. There are quite a few there that are good!

 

Disclaimer: this is an opinion post and should not be taken as an endorsement or lack of for any product by me or my employer.