Sugar is a carbohydrate that is added to some foods and occurs naturally in others. Sugar is a controversial topic in some quarters, with many myths surrounding its place in modern diets. Let’s look at four myths and debunk the most common misconceptions in an effort to help you make an informed choice about what you eat.
Myth 1: All sugars are bad
Avoiding all sugars can lead to you missing out on other nutrients from healthy foods such as milk, vegetables, and fruits. Most experts who advise against eating too much sugar are talking about added sugar rather than naturally occurring sugar.
Myth 2: Natural sugar substitutes are OK
Many people believe that the likes of maple syrup and honey are healthy natural sweeteners when added to food; however, the fact is that they don’t offer much additional nutritional value and may add little more than empty calories to your diet. This type of minimally processed sugar is broken down by the body to become monosaccharides, which are rapidly digested and can lead to sugar-related issues such as weight gain and tooth decay.
Myth 3: You can’t avoid sugar
While many people find it easy to make healthier food choices when ordering office lunch catering from companies such as https://www.crumbsdelivered.co.uk/shop/office-lunch-delivery/, they believe it is impossible to completely avoid sugar. It is true that you shouldn’t avoid natural sugars, but there are many options that enable you to minimise how much added sugar you consume. Tips to limit added sugar include drinking water rather than sugar-sweetened drinks, eating fruit instead of confectionery, and opting for unsweetened products such as yoghurt and cereal.
Myth 4: Sugar makes you sick
Although there are health risks associated with eating too much sugar, moderate amounts are unlikely to make you ill. Studies carried out suggest that too much sugar can cause body and brain inflammation and trigger autoimmune diseases. The research suggests this could lead to a greater chance of developing chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis.