The holidays are a treat filled time. Many of those treats are sugar based and yummy! However, while I think we should live a little and enjoy holiday treats, I also think that moderation is always key.
Sugar is a carbohydrate and can be found in plants as fructose and in milk as galactose. These are naturally occurring and as part of a balanced diet, not usually an issue. The issue comes with added sugars in soft drinks, those holiday cookies and cakes, ice cream, canned fruit in heavy syrup, yogurt and pancake syrup to name just a few. Yogurt, canned fruit, items that seem healthy can be a sugar and calorie bomb.
Why is this important? Well, there are some studies that link excess sugar consumption to many health problems including diabetes, obesity, dementia’s and joint pain. While there are still more studies needed for some of those, it is a fact that excess calories lead to weight gain, which often leads to obesity, which then can lead to hypertension, breathing difficulties and diabetes.
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar a day for women and no more than 9 teaspoons for men. As part of a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. So, make this a goal for your healthy diet and enjoy a cookie or two but share the rest!
Here’s to happy and healthy holidays!
Sugar is a carbohydrate and can be found in plants as fructose and in milk as galactose. These are naturally occurring and as part of a balanced diet, not usually an issue. The issue comes with added sugars in soft drinks, those holiday cookies and cakes, ice cream, canned fruit in heavy syrup, yogurt and pancake syrup to name just a few. Yogurt, canned fruit, items that seem healthy can be a sugar and calorie bomb.
Why is this important? Well, there are some studies that link excess sugar consumption to many health problems including diabetes, obesity, dementia’s and joint pain. While there are still more studies needed for some of those, it is a fact that excess calories lead to weight gain, which often leads to obesity, which then can lead to hypertension, breathing difficulties and diabetes.
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar a day for women and no more than 9 teaspoons for men. As part of a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. So, make this a goal for your healthy diet and enjoy a cookie or two but share the rest!
Here’s to happy and healthy holidays!