Sugar

Consuming too many added sugars can contribute to health problems such as weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Sugar  contributes to tooth decay and gum disease.

Eating excessive amounts of sugar may increase your risk of developing certain cancers.

Diets high in sugar increase inflammation in the body, may cause insulin resistance, both of which increase cancer risk.

Consuming sugary products might give you a brief energy boost that is quickly followed by a sharp drop in blood sugar, leading to major fluctuations in energy levels.

The American Heart Association recommends the following daily added sugar limits:

Women: No more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons or about 100 calories)

Men: No more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons or about 150 calories)

These limits apply to added sugars (like those in processed foods, sugary drinks, and sweets), not naturally occurring sugars found in whole fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

Cutting out sugar can lead to improved blood sugar and metabolic health, potential loss, reduced inflammation, and lower the risk of heart disease.

For a sweetener in beverages, you could replace the sugar with Stevia or Monk Fruit. These are not considered as added sugars because they provide little to no calories and do not raise blood sugar levels like sugar does.  Just be careful when purchasing Stevia or Monk Fruit that they are not blended with added sugars like maltodextrin or dextrose, which can still impact blood sugar.  It is very important to read labels. 

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana plant.  It is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, has zero calories & carbs, and  does not raise blood sugar.

Monk fruit, also called Luo Han Guo, is a small melon-like fruit native to Chinga and Thailand.  The sweetness comes from mogrosides, which have antioxidant properties.  It is 150-200 times sweeter than sugar, has zero calories & carbs, and does not raise blood sugar.

Two brands that are not blended with any added sugars are NOW Foods Organic Monk Fruit Zero Calorie and SweetLeaf Non-GMO Liquid Steviaclear Sweet Drops.  










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