While all forms of simple sugars are broken down by your body into glucose, refined sugar is known to have adverse health consequences when eaten in excess. Foods you may not consider sweet, like pasta sauces and ketchup, often contain significant amounts of refined sugar.
Things such as sodas and fruit drinks are the primary source of refined sugar in the American diet, followed by sugary snacks. Because these foods lack beneficial vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein, and fiber. You end up getting the sugar but not vital nutrients you need to remain healthy. This is the primary problem with added sugar.
The sugar you get from fruit breaks down into glucose, but fruit contains a host of beneficial nutrients. When you eat a piece of fruit, you’re getting an abundant supply of antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and lower your risk for many diseases that added sugar contributes to. Fruit is also rich in minerals, and vitamins which keep the body healthy. The fiber in fruit helps slow the rate at which your body absorbs sugar. It also helps control cholesterol and promotes bowel regularity. So, before you choose a doughnut or a delicious pastry, grab an apple, orange, banana, pear or a bowl of berries to satisfy an unhealthy craving. Fruits are high in fiber and so good for you, but everything comes in moderation. Making wiser decisions in the food we eat will equal a healthier you.
