Sugar In A Diet? Not What You Thought!

Sugar has become the latest buzzword in what not to eat – however, sugars play an important role in our health. Responsible for giving us energy and aiding our metabolism, understanding which types of foods contain the best sugar can help us get the most out of our day. 

In Short – Sugar is an essential macronutrient with a bad reputation. 

 

“Sugar is an essential macronutrient with a bad reputation. Natural sugar is an important part of our diet and can be protective to our health.”

 

MODERN PLANT-BASED EATING 

A plant-based diet is one that is rich in plants or foods that are derived from plants. This can include vegetables, fruit, grains, legumes, soy-based products, and plant oils. People can have different interpretations of plant-based eating, ranging from being strictly vegan (eating no animal products) to eating a predominantly plant-based diet with the addition of minimal animal products. Many people choose a plant-based diet for the benefits it offers to their health, for ethical reasons, and to reduce their impact on the environment. 

 

DEMYSTIFYING SUGAR’S BAD REPUTATION

Sugar has received a lot of negative attention over the past decade linking it to diseases like diabetes and obesity. While it’s true that refined sugar and excess quantities of sugar can lead to these diseases, natural sugar is an important part of our diet and can be protective of our health. 

 

REFINED VS NATURAL SUGAR

Though all sugars may sound equally bad, there are major differences in the source and quality of sugars and their effect on the body: 

• Refined Sugar – Found in processed and refined foods like soft drinks, confectionery, and baked goods, these foods rarely resemble their whole food counterparts. The refining process removes a lot of nutrients and fiber – leaving just the sugar and giving the food a poor micronutrient profile, low protein, and fiber.  
• Natural Sugar – Found in fruits, vegetables, lentils, grains, nuts, and seeds. These whole foods contain natural sugars combined with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. It is this chemical complex of sugar with fiber, protein, and minerals that makes all the difference! These sugars are absorbed from our digestive tract slower than refined foods due to their complex chemical nature, giving us long-lasting energy throughout the day.  

 

FINDING YOUR NATURAL SUGAR FAVORITE  

Here are some of our favorite natural sugar foods: 

• Acai Berries – With their earthy taste and a huge antioxidant rating, acai berries combine natural sugars with protein and fiber [Click Here]. 

• Barley – An excellent addition to salads, stews and soups, adding barley gives a crunch and texture and an amazing source of natural sugars and fiber [Click Here]. 
• Corn – If you need a sweet addition to your salad or stir fry, you can’t go wrong with corn. This low glycemic food tastes sweet without creating a blood sugar spike balanced with minerals and fiber [Click Here]. 

 

Refined sugar is obtained by extracting natural sugar from whole foods – leaving the nutrients rich and fiber-dense portions behind. Eaten in isolation it can cause a range of health complications such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and obesity. Eating whole foods containing natural sugars and reducing consumption of refined foods can improve longevity and overall health.