Discover how added sugars affect your health and get practical tips to curb cravings while maintaining balanced nutrition. Diwali is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to understand how festive sweets can impact your health. While traditional sweets bring joy to celebrations, indulging in too many can have lasting effects on the body.
From the immediate sugar rush to long-term implications on metabolism and weight, being mindful of sugar intake helps maintain balance. A well-rounded diet can provide all essential nutrients without the need for added sugars. Recognizing the difference between natural and added sugars can help you make healthier choices and manage cravings effectively.
Natural sugars are found in various carbohydrate sources like grains, fruits, dairy, and some vegetables. These whole foods not only offer natural sugars but also come packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Dairy products contribute protein and calcium, supporting both energy levels and bone health.
On the other hand, added sugars are often processed and stripped of nutrients, providing empty calories that cause spikes in blood sugar. Dietician Safia Livingston, MS RD from MASSH (Minimal Access Smart Surgery Hospital), notes, “Excessive sugar intake can alter the body’s reward system, disrupting normal eating behaviors and leading to compulsive overeating. This, in turn, raises the risk for health concerns like obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, fatt.