Sugar: Good or Bad? (Part 1)
Sugar seems to have become the evil of the century. Should we eliminate it from our diets? Should we fear fruits that are high in sugar? That's it, soon the banana will be our enemy!
But really, should we wage war on sugar? What is the situation? That's what I want to discuss with you today.
First of all, how many of you have a roller-coaster relationship with sugary foods? On a daily basis, it seems like you don't have a sweet tooth. You eat cupcakes, ice cream, chocolate, and candy recreationally, so you tell yourself there's nothing wrong with it since it's part of a balanced diet. But when it comes time to put down the spoon, uh-oh! Is it hard to stop? This is just to illustrate the power sugar can have over you. Fortunately, it's possible to have a healthier relationship with it.
I'll share a little personal anecdote with you. For 10 days (only!), I voluntarily experimented with eliminating as much sugar as possible from my diet. Bye, bye my friends Ben and Jerry, fruits (except berries), pasta, bread and other high glycemic index foods . And to make the challenge even more difficult, I did it during Easter! A real Lent! The whole thing! I'll mention here that I did this experiment not to lose weight but to see the power that sugar has over us . I wanted to understand from the inside. Me, addicted to sugar? That's for beginners! Image of the ostrich burying its head in the sand... You should have seen me walking with my grocery basket down the rows where they were selling Easter chocolate. A real zombie! Yes, I cheated... and the challenge was only for 10 days!
We're all addicted to sugar. Why? Because your life depends on it! Sugar is the main fuel for your body, and especially your brain. Without sugar, it's death. However, there's a slight problem... this same substance has the power to create addiction and make us sick.
Not all sugars are created equal. There is a HUGE difference between natural sugars and refined sugars . The reason government officials and health experts try to discourage you from consuming refined sugars is because they are devoid of nutritional value and are detrimental to your health. Studies abound to support this. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, cancer, and depression are just a few examples of diseases associated with them. What's more, scientific evidence shows that populations that consume more fruit have a lower body mass index and a lower risk of developing the chronic diseases listed above.
Not only are refined sugars unhealthy, but they also raise your blood sugar levels dramatically. As a result, you're hooked. Refined sugar is said to be eight times more addictive than cocaine. It stimulates the pleasure center in your brain. It lights up like a Christmas tree! You're caught in a vicious cycle. Over here, sugar cravings! So it's not just a matter of willpower. Out with the guilt! Yay!
A healthy relationship with sugar varies depending on each individual and your health condition. It's not all black and white sugar (oops!). The reality is much more nuanced. However, avoiding refined sugars as much as possible for everyone is a recommendation that makes a lot of sense from a health perspective. Learning to rely on natural flavors to enhance the taste of a dessert, juice, or smoothie is a healthy habit to have, and it's not boring at all! Fruits and vegetables are the best sugars. Hard to beat!
How can we get there? We need to reprogram our brains and our taste buds by changing our habits! It's possible! And if you feel like you're stuck in a vicious sugar cycle, don't hesitate to ask your doctor, nutritionist, or psychologist for help.
In my next article, I will discuss in detail what natural sugars and refined sugars are. You will understand better!
On that note, I'm off to get myself a delicious piece of dark chocolate!
See you soon!
Dr. Andréanne Dussault
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