Aaaaaahhhhhhh SUGAH! Intoxicating, sweet to the taste, energy spike, stress food, the just dessert, comfort food, the 'sweet tooth' satisfyer. No matter what you call this granulated refined matter, sugar is a desired substance that is commonly thought to sing sweet nothings to the soul.
Sugar derives from the sugar cane stalk harvested in the south that is processed out of its natural state into the heavily manufactured ground crystal substance commonly referred to as "Dixie". We use sugar in everything from cereals to savory foods and as a balancing agent in salty and acidic dishes. So many of the foods we eat contain "hidden" sugars that it's no wonder we easily exceed the 6 teaspoons (24 grams) daily limit.
So is sugar really that bad for us? Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding YES. Sugar not only aggravates glycemic levels and creates disease fueling excess mucus in the body, but these additional Top 5 Ways Sugar Harms The Body will hopefully make us all more mindful before requesting that additional pump of syrup in our next coffee order:
Excessive calories leading to weight gain and accumulated fat/obesity
Increased risk of illness and disease (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, etc.)
Quick sugar 'crash' after rush' lowering mood and increasing depression
Encourages acne and accelerates the aging of the skin/face
Poor dental health
Regardless if the sugar you consume is sweet or savory to the taste, it is still sugar consumption. The best way to monitor and regulate your sugar intake is to know your numbers. Processed foods and beverages are the sneakiest ways sugar is delivered. Be sure to flip-your-wrist' and check the nutrition panels of your foods and manage accordingly.
Follow these tips, and you're on your way to living your most mindful healthy life...now that's sweet!
~Great Eats & Healthy Living!