IMPORTANCE OF SUGAR LEVEL
Sugar by dictionary definition is a sweet crystalline substance obtained from various plants, especially sugar cane consisting essentially of sucrose, and used as a sweetener in food and drink. But scientifically it refers to all carbohydrates.
Carbohydrate-rich foods are a great source of energy, and many of them provide vitamins and minerals your body needs for good health. So, if some carbohydrates are good, more must be better! But when it comes to carbohydrates, this is not the case.
Excess carbohydrates or carbonated drinks after consumption, will break down into glucose, which is the simple sugar your body and brain use for energy. It then gets absorbed out of your digestive tract and into your bloodstream. After which the body closely regulates how much glucose is allowed to stay in your blood. When there's too much, it calls on insulin, which is a hormone secreted by the pancreas to move glucose out of your blood. However if the pancreas is unable to secret enough insulin to move out the unwanted glucose in your body, the accumulation leads to high sugar level and thus diabetes.
Natural sugars are found in fruit as fructose and in dairy products, such as milk. These foods contain essential nutrients that keep the body healthy and help prevent disease. Natural sources of sugar are digested slower and help you feel full for longer. It also helps keep your metabolism stable.
Steps to reduce your refined sugar consumption;
(1) Always take water instead: Sodas, energy drinks, carbonated drinks and processed fruit drinks contribute an astounding 44% of added sugar to your body. They have little to no nutritional value and do not keep you hydrated. Limiting these drinks will significantly lower your sugar intake and improve your overall health.
(2) Sauces & Toppings: It is shocking how much sugar is added to ketchup, barbecue sauce, salad dressings and other common condiments. Instead, flavor your food with fresh herbs and spices, lemon or lime juice, pesto or homemade salad dressings. When you do have to buy sauces and toppings, look for the full fat options. They will contain less added sugar than the fat-free versions.
(3) Processed Snacks: Even snacks labeled as “organic,” “all-natural” or “healthy” may be full of added sugar. Some granola and protein bars contain up to 8 teaspoons of added sugar. Instead, try snacking on mixed nuts, fresh fruit or cut up veggies.
Carbohydrate-rich foods are a great source of energy, and many of them provide vitamins and minerals your body needs for good health. So, if some carbohydrates are good, more must be better! But when it comes to carbohydrates, this is not the case.
Excess carbohydrates or carbonated drinks after consumption, will break down into glucose, which is the simple sugar your body and brain use for energy. It then gets absorbed out of your digestive tract and into your bloodstream. After which the body closely regulates how much glucose is allowed to stay in your blood. When there's too much, it calls on insulin, which is a hormone secreted by the pancreas to move glucose out of your blood. However if the pancreas is unable to secret enough insulin to move out the unwanted glucose in your body, the accumulation leads to high sugar level and thus diabetes.
Natural sugars are found in fruit as fructose and in dairy products, such as milk. These foods contain essential nutrients that keep the body healthy and help prevent disease. Natural sources of sugar are digested slower and help you feel full for longer. It also helps keep your metabolism stable.
Steps to reduce your refined sugar consumption;
(1) Always take water instead: Sodas, energy drinks, carbonated drinks and processed fruit drinks contribute an astounding 44% of added sugar to your body. They have little to no nutritional value and do not keep you hydrated. Limiting these drinks will significantly lower your sugar intake and improve your overall health.
(2) Sauces & Toppings: It is shocking how much sugar is added to ketchup, barbecue sauce, salad dressings and other common condiments. Instead, flavor your food with fresh herbs and spices, lemon or lime juice, pesto or homemade salad dressings. When you do have to buy sauces and toppings, look for the full fat options. They will contain less added sugar than the fat-free versions.
(3) Processed Snacks: Even snacks labeled as “organic,” “all-natural” or “healthy” may be full of added sugar. Some granola and protein bars contain up to 8 teaspoons of added sugar. Instead, try snacking on mixed nuts, fresh fruit or cut up veggies.
It is imperative that you are observant of your sugar level as an adult to help you maintain good health status as there are verified cases of the dangerous effects of excess sugar in men and women around the world.
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