We share a bittersweet relationship with sugar. We love to indulge in sweet and decadent things, but it is touted as a major cause of several lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, obesity, etc. Sugar and sweet foods contain fat. increase. Fat adds extra calories to our daily diet, as is commonly believed. When we say, isn’t that exactly what you think?! increase. There is now multiple evidence to support the fact that fat (one of the major macronutrients) plays an important role in our overall growth and nutrition. Some side effects may occur.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how reducing sugar affects your body, and how you can effectively incorporate it into your diet. prize.
What is sugar?
For most of us, sugar is an ingredient we add to our diet. What we don’t quite understand is the fact that sugar is actually a compound and when it crystallizes it becomes a food ingredient. Yes, “simple carbohydrates naturally produced in all plants, including fruits, vegetables, and even nuts.” For the ignorant, carbohydrates provide energy to the body and help keep the brain, organs and muscles functioning and engaged in daily activities. “Sugar is a simple and surprisingly functional part of a balanced diet,” the website further reads.
Also Read: 5 sugar alternatives to refined sugar
What is added sugar?
Added sugars are any form of sweetener that undergoes processing to further remove healthy nutrients from foods. Includes all chemically manufactured foods.
5 side effects of cutting down on sugar:
1. Feeling depressed:
Cakes and chocolates instantly lift our mood. Have you ever wondered why? As researchers, sugar is known to influence our brain’s reward system, further influencing mood. It makes us feel instantly happier. Eliminating sugar from the diet often leads to depression, anxiety, premature cravings, and more.
2. Lack of focus:
Brain functions such as thinking, memory and learning are closely related to the body’s glucose levels. A lack of this fuel source can lead to a variety of cognitive-related problems. Studies show that it can lead to poor concentration, focus, and memory.
3. Sleep Problems:
Sleep patterns are highly dependent on cognitive functions that are directly related to the body’s glucose levels. A study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that people on a sugar detox diet are deficient in glucose (in the body) and often experience changes in sleep patterns.
4. Nausea and Dizziness:
As mentioned earlier, sugar is a fat and is considered one of the macronutrients our bodies need. A lack of sugar can lead to imbalance, weakness, nausea, and dizziness.
5. Lack of energy:
By now we all know that sugar is a powerful source of glucose and that glucose helps us replenish our energy. This often makes people feel tired and lack energy for work.
How to effectively incorporate sugar into your diet?
1. Add fruit.
Sugar is naturally produced in fruits (and some vegetables). Therefore, it is always recommended to replace cakes and candies (with added sugar) with fruits and dried fruits to include healthy fats in your diet.
Also Read: Fruit juice and whole fruit. Which should you choose?
2. Exchange sweet drinks.
Coke and packaged sweet drinks are also high in sugar. You can always replace these drinks with freshly squeezed fruit juices or simple sodas (with mint, lemon, etc. for added flavor) to enjoy their full benefits.
3. Read the label before buying:
Do you read the sugar content every time you buy packaged food? If not, start now! Some foods and condiments sneak in sugar that can have a negative effect on our bodies. Read the package label to understand how many calories you are adding to your daily diet. It helps to
Eat healthy and stay healthy!
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a professional or family doctor for more information. NDTV is not responsible for this information.
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