Does sugar make me fat?
Because sugar is high in energy (it is a carbohydrate) it is important
we use up the energy in the form of activity. Sugar taken in moderation
cannot lead to weight gain. But if you eat sugar or foods that contain
lots of sugar and you don’t exercise or do any other activities, you
are likely to gain weight.
Activity includes the body’s natural processes, and everyday actions
such as bathing, walking and cleaning, as well as exercise. If we do
not use up this energy it can result in weight gain. Too much sugar can
also cause problems with the teeth, especially in children.
I’m a sugar addict
Although
some people can have a sweet tooth, which means they enjoy eating
sugary substances, they cannot be addicted to sugar. Addiction is a
physical dependence on a substance like alcohol and drugs. Most of us
prefer to eat sweet things from birth.
Too much sugar lead to diabetes?
Diabetes
is a complex disease caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Eating
too much sugar is not the cause of diabetes. Many people believe that
eating sugary substances leads to this disease because it is
characterised by high levels of blood sugar (glucose).
Consuming lots of sugar is certainly dangerous for diabetics,
who must limit their sugar intake. But sugar alone doesn’t cause this
disorder.
Are honey and brown sugar healthier than white sugar?
Honey
has no special health benefits. In fact, honey is a sweeter (it has a
higher concentration of sucrose than sugar) and it is more expensive!
Honey raises blood sugar more than regular sugar, according to the
website www.healthy-answers.com.
Most people believe that brown sugar is a healthier option than white
sugar. You might believe it is healthier because of its colour. In
reality, it is not healthier. The majority of brown sugar available in
this country is simply refined white sugar to which molasses has been
added to change its colour.
Can one avoid sugar?
Stop adding sugar to tea and coffee, stop drinking soft drinks,
milkshake powders, and don’t eat food with a high sugar content such as
cakes, biscuits, jellies, canned fruit and ice cream. Read the food
labels and look for the terms sucrose, fructose and glucose, which are
all types of sugar.
Sugar is used in interesting ways:
- It slows the setting of cement and glues
- It is used in leather tanning
- It is an ingredient in printers’ inks
- It is used in the textile industry for sizing and finishing fabrics
5 things to do with sugar
Koeksister
Marbled marshmallows
Toffee apples
Turkish delight
Microwaved fudge