Several myths commonly associated with the consumption of sugar, one of them is causing obesity. However, according to the experts, obesity is a complex, multi factorial and sugar metabolic condition alone cannot cause it. In fact, like all foods, sugar has a role in the diet and consumed within appropriate limits, can be part of a balanced diet.
According to nutritionists, to eliminate myths sugar people should be educated about their composition, the daily amounts recommended by international authorities and the varieties of sugar. In this way, they can make informed when buying food and drinks that contain any type of sugar making.
Do you really know what Sugar is?
Speaking of sugar, the first thing that comes to mind is table sugar, which we use to sweeten coffee or cooking. Actually there are different types of sugar, also called simple carbohydrates, which can be found naturally in foods and processed before being added to a wide variety of foods and drinks.
The main function of carbohydrates like sugar is to provide energy to the body, especially the brain and nervous system.
Added Sugar and Natural Sugar
Added sugars are any type of sugar, whether natural or preprocessed, such as table sugar, fructose or corn syrup, which is added to a food or beverage during processing to give texture, retain their freshness and quality or even to provide fermentation.
Ideally they should look for products that are sweetened with natural sugars and avoid those containing refined table sugar or corn syrup, high fructose, which is what has been associated in recent years with the increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, etc.
Myths about Sugar
To reach a healthy lifestyle is important to analyze the eating habits and physical activity performed by each individual, to find a caloric balance. It also adds that “no food or drink is responsible, alone, that people are overweight or obese” and clarifies the following myths about sugar:
The Sugar Fattens
Weight gain is caused by a caloric imbalance, when more calories than you consume daily are spent. These calories will not only come from sugar or other carbohydrates, but excess protein and fat. The intake of food and drink in a balanced permits proper weight control.
Sugar Causes Cavities
What causes tooth decay is bacteria found in the mouth and produce acids in the presence of all foods, including fermentable carbohydrates such as sucrose, fructose and glucose. The acids demineralised the tooth enamel and create holes in the teeth. To prevent decay the best advice is to maintain good dental hygiene by brushing your teeth after every meal and visit a dentist every six months.
Sugar Causes Diabetes
Excessive consumption of sugar causes diabetes. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce insulin or does not use it properly. Insulin is a hormone necessary for the body to use glucose (from carbohydrates). Glucose is the primary fuel for the body’s cells and insulin transports blood into cells.