We all know that sugary drinks and candy are bad for our health, but did you know that sugar is hidden in many foods? Added sugar is often found in processed foods, including bread, cereal, and even savory items like salad dressings and pasta sauce.
The problem with sugar is that it’s quickly absorbed into our bloodstream, causing a spike in blood sugar levels. This spike is followed by a rapid drop, leaving us feeling tired, irritable, and craving more sugar. Over time, a diet high in added sugar can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
It’s important to note that our consumption of added sugar has drastically increased over the last century. In fact, the average American today consumes nearly 17 teaspoons of added sugar per day, which is far more than the recommended limit of 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men. This is a stark contrast to just 100 years ago, when the average American consumed only about 4 teaspoons of added sugar per day. With the rise of processed foods and sugary drinks, our diets have become increasingly high in sugar, leading to a host of health problems. By being mindful of our sugar intake and opting for whole, unprocessed foods, we can take control of our health and reduce our risk of chronic diseases.
But sugar isn’t the only culprit. Highly refined grains, like white bread and pasta, are stripped of their fiber and nutrients, leaving us with empty calories. These refined grains are often found in processed foods, and can also lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.
Seed oils, such as soybean, canola, and corn oil, are often used in processed foods because they’re cheap and have a long shelf life. However, these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation in the body when consumed in excess. Inflammation has been linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease and cancer.
If you’re looking to improve your health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases, consider adopting a low-carbohydrate diet that avoids seed oils and added sugar. Opt for healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts, and grass-fed butter or ghee. And when it comes to sweetness, use natural alternatives like stevia or monk fruit sweetener sparingly, and rely on whole foods like fresh fruit for a sweet treat. By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and reducing our intake of carbohydrates and seed oils, we can support our overall health and well-being.
In conclusion, a diet high in added sugar, refined grains, and seed oils can have serious consequences for our health. By making small changes to our diet and focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, we can improve our health and well-being.