The Bitter Truth About Sugar: Why Moderation Is Key
Sugar, the ubiquitous sweetener, is
an integral part of our daily diet. From teas to shakes, and kheer to cakes,
sugar enhances the flavor of countless desserts and beverages, delighting our
taste buds. It even triggers a feel-good response in our brains due to a
beta-endorphin rush. However, sugar can act as a poison to the human body if
not consumed in moderation.
New Dietary Guidelines for Indians
The Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) have recently
released new dietary guidelines for Indians. These guidelines recommend
reducing sugar intake, along with other changes such as decreasing salt consumption
and replacing cooking oil with oilseeds. The high consumption of processed
foods rich in sugar and salt, combined with lower physical activity,
contributes to micronutrient deficiencies and increasing rates of overweight
and obesity in India.
How Much Sugar Is Safe?
According to the guidelines, Indians
should limit their sugar intake to 20-25 grams per day if they do not eliminate
it completely. This restriction aims to address the various health risks
associated with excessive sugar consumption.
The Dangers of Excessive Sugar
Consumption
- Affects Muscle Protein: High sugar intake can increase
glucose 6-phosphate (G6P), altering muscle protein in the heart and
potentially leading to heart failure.
- Aging of Cells: Excessive glucose consumption
can accelerate cellular and brain aging.
- Impairs Immune System: White sugar can weaken the
immune system by increasing endorphin release.
- Cancer Risk: Sugar may elevate bile acid concentration in
stool, potentially generating cancer-causing compounds and increasing the
risk of colon cancer.
- Declines Tissue Elasticity: Regular sugar consumption can
reduce tissue elasticity and functionality.
- Affects Muscle Force in Fetuses: Excess sugar intake
during pregnancy can impair the muscle force production of the fetus,
affecting their ability to exercise in later life.
- Reduces Blood Protein Functionality: Consistent sugar
intake can impact the functionality of albumin and lipoproteins, impairing
the body’s ability to manage fat and cholesterol.
While sugar can make our food taste
delightful and give a temporary boost to our mood, its long-term effects on
health are detrimental. Following the new dietary guidelines by limiting sugar
intake can help prevent various health issues and promote a healthier
lifestyle. Moderation is key to enjoying the sweet things in life without
compromising our well-being.
Mr. S.K. Sethi is founder of RIA
Insurance Brokers and specializes in health insurance products for families as
well as corporates. For diabetic patients, having comprehensive health
insurance is crucial. It covers the cost of medications, regular check-ups, and
specialist visits, ensuring effective disease management. Good insurance also
provides access to necessary resources like nutritional counseling, helping
patients maintain their health and reduce complications.
Blog of S.K. Sethi, Founder of RIA
Insurance Brokers, you may connect him for any query at his email id:
sksethi@riainsurance.com
No comments:
Post a Comment