The whole truth about sugar
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Many believe that the so-called "sugar dependence" is by no means an invention, and it really exists. How much does this all correspond to reality?
Dependence on sugar: truth or fiction
The answer to this question is unequivocally difficult, because sugar affects the secretion of dopamine and serotonin, enhancing good health. There are people who can not even live a day without a piece of chocolates and sweets. However, it is not possible to say with certainty that sugar is a drug, scientists can not.
[The effect of sugar on the brain
Sugar has a chemical effect on the cells of the brain. If a person is too addicted to sweets, this can lead to changes in the brain receptor regulating appetite. According to the research of scientists, even when viewing pictures with a picture of a sweet person begins activity in the brain, which is very similar to that observed in people with any dependence.
Blood sugar level
The consumption of sweets causes fluctuations in the amount of sugar in the blood, due to the fact that getting into the blood of simple carbohydrates is converted into glucose. Simple carbohydrates are contained not only in sweets and chocolates, they are also found in vegetables, fruits and dairy products, where proteins and fiber help them to properly digest.
Sugar and mood
To move glucose into the blood, the pancreas produces an insulin hormone. After that, a person feels a deterioration of health and a new attack of hunger. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level is significantly reduced.
Unexpected sugar probes
Flour products, and, surprisingly, French fries and chips, lead to exactly the same fluctuations in blood sugar levels as sweets. This is due to the fact that the carbohydrates contained in these products, getting into the body, are split into simple sugars.
How to reduce the consumption of sugar
It is best to reduce the amount of sugar consumed gradually, eliminating sweets from the diet and reducing the dose of sugar in tea and coffee. Over time, you will get used to it and you can completely give up sugar.
Natural sweets substitutes
If you completely give up the sweet, there are no forces, then learn how to get sugar from other sources. These are useful berries and fruits, as well as yogurt and skim milk, which contain milk sugar - lactose.
Fiber and protein
Feeling hungry is a bad ally in the fight against cravings for sweets, so include more fiber and protein in your diet that will help maintain a sense of satiety for a long time.
Sugary substitutes
According to research scientists, sugar substitutes are not only caloric, which prevents weight loss, but also contribute to an even greater craving for sweets. Therefore, replacing sugar with its analogue, which represents an even greater danger, makes no sense, it is better to gradually abandon it altogether.
Brown sugar and honey
Despite the fact that this is a natural product, which includes nutrients, they can also provoke fluctuations in blood sugar levels. As in ordinary sugar, they contain a lot of calories.
Caution! Hidden Sugars
Not only sweets contain sugar. In products such as sauce, ketchup and dressings for salads, there is also sugar. And even in bread, its quantity can be quite high.