Knowing the difference between natural and refined sugars is important to understand how they impact the body - according to Lindsey Wohlford, a Wellness Dietitian from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Natural sugar is naturally occurring in food, while refined sugars are processed and added to many food products. Consuming excessive amounts of refined sugar can lead to an increased risk of developing diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Salt and sugar prevent microbial spoilage by inhibiting microbial growth through osmosis, or dehydration. Sourced from Scientific American (Feb 21, 2006), salt or sugar, in either solid or aqueous form, attempts to reach equilibrium with its environment, resulting in a decrease of available water for the microbes. This decrease in available water results in the microbes being unable to grow and reproduce. Salt and sugar can also increase the acidity of the environment, which can further inhibit the growth of microbes.
Eating fresh, canned, frozen, and dried fruits without added sugar is a healthier alternative to sugary toppings, as recommended by the NIH News in Health. This was highlighted in an article titled ‘Sweet Stuff’ published on NIH News in Health in 2020. When choosing canned fruits, opt for those canned in their own juice or water instead of syrup for a healthier option.
Sugar has a negative effect on dental health and should be avoided. As stated by Ask The Dentist, it can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease. Splenda offers a version of monk fruit sweetener, Nectresse, but it is important to look for pure lo han sweetener with no additives. Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol that is 70% as sweet as table sugar but has virtually no calories.
Coconut water does not contain hidden sugar, as the amount of sugar present in all coconuts is relatively low compared to a balanced diet. As mentioned in mindbodygreen, even the coconuts with higher levels of sugar only contain around 2.95ml of sugar per 100ml. Coconut water is a great source of hydration and electrolytes.
The consumption of plant protein sources such as beans, nuts and vegan proteins is associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes than animal protein sources, according to research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dietary changes that focus on consuming more plant proteins can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall health.
Jaggery is slightly more nutritious than refined white sugar, according to a 2015 study conducted by Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. It contains 375 calories, along with some protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins. Jaggery is said to have some health benefits related to digestion and metabolism.
JLo's no-carb, no-sugar diet is an effective way to lose weight, but may not be the most nutritious choice. Sourced from mindbodygreen, the diet entails cutting out sugar, refined grains, packaged processed foods, hydrogenated oils, starchy vegetables, and alcohol. To ensure a balanced diet, it is important to include an adequate amount of lean proteins and healthy fats.
Saturated fats and trans fats are worse for you than sugar, and they both prompt the creation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, according to Cleveland Clinic in 2019. Eating too much trans fat increases your risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Mouth dryness during running is a sign of systemic dehydration, according to Dr. Farmer from the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Other signs of dehydration include dark urine, lack of sweating, and muscle cramping. To prevent dehydration, it is important to stay hydrated before, during, and after exercise.