'Fat', this three-letter word has the potential power to make people from all walks of life question their food choices. But ever wondered what causes one to gain weight? Is it actually fatty foods or is it something else entirely. A myth that has been going around for quite a while is that "Fat consumption causes one to gain weight." This couldn't be further from the truth. On the contrary, it might actually help us shed a few pounds.
So what is it that has become a part of our daily diet that makes us feel lethargic and makes us gain weight? The answer is- sugar. Originally, people chewed sugarcane raw to extract its sweetness. Indians discovered how to crystallize sugar during the Gupta dynasty. Before sugar became known, our ancestors ate honey, dates, and other sweet foods, which they also used as sweeteners. With the passage of time, sugar as we know, now it was produced and distributed to the masses.
What does sugar do?
There are primarily four kinds of sugar which are Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose , and Lactose. When excess sugar is consumed, the extra insulin in the bloodstream affects the arteries. It causes the walls to get inflamed, grow thicker than normal which stresses the heart and damages it over time. This leads to heart diseases, like heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes.
The Side Effects:
As mentioned earlier consuming too much sugar can have many negative health effects but perhaps the most important and the most overlooked effect is that an excess of sweetened foods and beverages can also lead to weight gain. Obesity is caused by eating too much and moving too little. If one consumes high amounts of energy, particularly sugars, but doesn't burn off the energy through exercise and physical activity, much of the surplus energy will be stored by the body as fat.
What are the healthy alternatives for sugar?
Agreed, that having sweet has now become a part of our diet and culture but there are healthier alternatives available. Honey has a lower GI value than sugar, which basically means that it does not raise blood sugar levels as quickly. Honey is sweeter than sugar, so you may need less of it, but it does have slightly more calories per teaspoon. Natural sugars like maple syrup, molasses, and honey are less harmful than regular sugar and even have health benefits.
What can we do to strike the right balance?
It is understandable that we cannot completely shun sugar, but it is possible to arrive at a balance that doesn't do the body much harm.
Exercising regularly. 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week helps in preventing weight gain.
Following a healthy-eating plan that includes all the important nutrients and carbs is imperative plus knowing and avoiding the food traps that cause one to binge eat also helps.
If one monitors their weight regularly and is consistent then weight gain due to sugar can be lessened if not avoided.
Having a healthy body is the gateway to a more fulfilling and healthy life, your body truly is your temple, and taking care of it is of paramount importance. Starting today, let's be more conscious of our food choices!
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