It doesn't take much research to understand that sugar is included in modern diets and not only! Nowadays, even when I don't say out loud the presence of this ingredient, sugar is found in many delicious dishes and recipes. "Excess sugar is addictive because after consuming it we experience an increase in dopamine, which stimulates pleasure areas in the brain similar to the adrenaline that gambling gives to people addicted to this game or various narcotics" says nutritionist Rhian Stephenson .
A physiological feel-good mechanism associated with sugar is likely to lead to feelings of alertness, happiness, or comfort.
How sugar affects the body and mind
"Sugar causes inflammatory reactions in the body and skin," says nutritionist Lola Ross. "When we eat sugary foods or processed carbohydrates, it causes blood glucose levels to rise, then the pancreas produces insulin to circulate the sugars to be used as energy in our cells," she adds.
Regular sugar consumption not only contributes to unbalanced blood sugar levels (which can cause mood problems, fatigue, decreased cognitive function, PCOS, etc.), but also to other problems such as inflammation, heart disease, mood and various types of cancer.
Our bodies are simply not designed to deal with large amounts of sugar. Ancestors are thought to have consumed around 20 teaspoons of sugar per year, while today, with added sugars so prevalent in food systems, the average goes up to 53 teaspoons per day.
How to reduce sugar consumption
First thing: Realize that even delicious foods can be loaded with sugar, so choose what you eat accordingly. When buying food at the supermarket make sure you read the label. Learning the names of hidden sugars is essential. Syrups, honey, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose are all sugars that have an effect on our health.
The conclusion?
It's time to question everything you eat, even the dishes you prepare at home. Pay attention to the bread, cereals, snacks you consume in the afternoon, add fresh fruits and vegetables and thank us later!
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Source: Vogue
