Contents
What is Sugar?
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that comes in many forms such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose. It is found naturally in fruits and vegetables, but is also added to many processed foods as a sweetener. Sugar is also used to enhance the flavour of food and can be used to improve texture and provide a desired consistency.
Why is Too Much Sugar Unhealthy?
High sugar consumption has been linked to a variety of health problems. It has been associated with higher risk of obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and certain types of cancer. Eating too much sugar can also contribute to increased inflammation in the body, which can lead to other health problems and impair the body’s natural immunity to disease and infection.
How to Cut Sugar Out of Your Diet for Good
The first step to cutting sugar out of your diet is recognizing that sugar can be hidden in many common foods. Check the nutrition labels of the foods you are eating and look for the keyword sucrose. Another clue is the sweet flavor and look for items that have added flavors like honey, corn syrup, fructose, and molasses.
Limit Processed Foods
One of the simplest ways to cut sugar from your diet is to limit or avoid processed foods. Most processed items contain some form of added sugar, so replacing them with whole, natural options like fruits and vegetables is a great way to reduce your sugar intake.
Choose Sugar-Free Alternatives
The sugar industry is one of the most ubiquitous and ever-growing industries. This can make it difficult to find sugar-free alternatives to the foods that you love. Be sure to check your food labels and make an informed decision when selecting snacks, drinks, and dessert options.
Substitute with Natural Sweeteners
Another great way to cut sugar out of your diet is to substitute it with natural sweeteners such as honey, dates, and coconut nectar. These natural sweeteners have a less intense flavor, fewer calories, and lower glycemic index, making them a healthier option than regular refined sugar.
Take Home Message
Reducing your sugar intake is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. To cut sugar from your diet for good and improve your health, limit processed foods, choose sugar-free alternatives, and substitute with natural sweeteners like honey and dates.
