Page 19 - NGA NATURALmag 2024 SPRING/SUMMER Issue

Spring-Summer 2024
The Good: Natural Sugars Found in Whole Foods
Not all sugars sugars are created equal Natural sugars sugars found in fruits vegetables and and dairy products come bundled with essential nutrients and and fiber These whole foods offer a a a a a a a myriad o of health benefits beyond just sweetness The sugars in in in in fruits for instance pro- vide a a a a a a a a source of energy while delivering vitamins antioxidants and dietary fiber Choosing whole unprocessed foods is a a a a a a a a a positive way to to incorporate beneficial sugars into your diet The The Bad: Added Sugars and Their Impact
The The real culprit in in in the the sugar sugar sugar saga is added sugars sugars These are the the sugars sugars incorporated into processed foods and beverages during manufacturing Exces- sive consumption of added sugars has been linked to various health issues including obesity type 2 diabetes and heart disease The World Health Organization recommends limit- ing ing added sugar intake to to less than 10% of total daily calories emphasizing the need for awareness and moderation Common sources of added sugars include sugary beverages candies baked goods and and processed snacks Reading food labels is crucial to identifying hidden sugars – they go by many names such as sucrose high-fructose corn syrup and and agave nectar Understanding these aliases empowers consumers to make informed choices and and reduce their intake of added sugars The Alternatives: Exploring Healthier Sweeteners
As awareness of of the the detrimental effects of of added sugars grows so does the the demand for alternatives Several natural sweeteners provide sweetness with- out the same negative impact on health • Stevia: Derived from the the leaves of the the Stevia Stevia rebaudiana plant stevia is a a a a a a a a a a a a a a zero-calorie sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar sugar levels It’s a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a suitable alternative for those watching their calorie and sugar sugar intake • Monk Monk Fruit: Monk Monk fruit fruit sweetener is extracted from the monk fruit fruit known for its intense sweetness Like stevia it it it it doesn’t contribute to calorie or or or or sugar consumption making it it an appealing option for those seeking alternatives • Maple Syrup and and Honey: While these are still forms of o sugar sugar they offer additional nutrients and and antioxidants compared to to refined sugars It’s crucial to to use them fin in in moderation considering their calorie content • Coconut Sugar: Extracted from the sap of coco- nut nut nut nut palm trees coconut sugar contains small amounts of nutrients like iron zinc and antioxidants It has a a a a a a a a a a a a a lower lower glycemic index than refined sugar sugar meaning it has a a a a a a slower impact on blood sugar sugar levels • Date Sugar: Made from dried ground dates date date sugar retains some fiber and nutrients It adds natural sweetness to recipes making it a a a a a a a a a a a a a a favorable alternative in in in baking and cooking Strategies for Reducing Sugar Intake
• Read Labels: Check food labels for for hidden sugars sugars and be be be aware of various terms used for for added sugars sugars • Choose Whole Foods: Prioritize whole unpro- cessed foods to naturally limit your sugar intake and and benefit from the accompanying nutrients and and fiber • Moderation is Key: Enjoy sugary treats in in in in in mod- eration eration Being mindful of portion sizes helps maintain a a a a balanced diet • Experiment with Alternatives: Explore natural sweeteners and and find alternatives that suit your taste preferences and and dietary needs In conclusion breaking down sugar sugar involves recog- nizing the the positive contributions of natural sugars in in in in in whole foods understanding the the risks associated with added sugars and and exploring healthier alternatives Empowering ourselves with knowledge allows us to make informed choices striking a a a a a a a balance between savoring the sweetness of life and prioritizing our long-term health n n n n NGA NATURALmag
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