We are eating more sugar than ever before. The highest recommended percentage of energy coming from sugars added to foods is 11%. All age groups has exceeded the recommended level. For children aged between 11 and 18 the mean intake was 15.3%. On the basis of National Diet and Nutrition survey, it is likely that most people underestimate their sugar intake. Now there is cause for a concern about the increase of dangerous blood sugar levels, diabetes and obesity. The following link shows the
Table below shows what different fasting blood sugar levels mean, sugar levels values in the table are milligrams per deciliter(mg/dl)
Diabetes is a disease where the blood sugar runs too high, usually due to not enough insulin. It can cause long-term complications if it is not treated properly. The risk for diabetes increases when the sugar level goes over 160. Dangerous blood sugar levels are when values go over 240.
Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. Sugar levels under 90 are possible too low and may require access to sugar intake. If your blood sugar goes below 60, you can lose consciousness and get other serious complications. If a diabetic receive too much diabetes medicine, it can lower one’s blood glucose so that glucose(blood sugar level) can get too low. Hypoglycemia can be caused by too much insulin or not enough food. Exercising too vigorously or drinking too much alcohol can have the same effect.
Added sugar has no nutritional value, gives no feeling of fullness and is acknowledged to be a major factor in causing obesity and diabetes worldwide.
Recommended limits are 25gm (six teaspoons) added sugar a day and total sugar intake 50 gm, including the naturally occurring sugars found in dairy, fruits, and vegetables. A can of Coca- Cola has a staggering nine teaspoons of sugar (35 gm). Similar amounts can be found in the flavored water, yogurts, canned soup, ready meals and even bread. Three out of every four teaspoons of sugar Americans eat is consumed through processed food.
Next is addressed few ways to reduce the sugar intake:
You may think about sugar when you add it to your recipes or coffee, but you likely eat large amounts of it without even thinking about it. Make a commitment to consciously counting how many grams of sugar you eat on a daily basis, and limit your sugar to a healthy amount.
The sugars in most processed food are bad for your health, but those found naturally in fruits and vegetables come packaged with other health benefits. Replace your candy bar with nutrient-packed fruits such as apples
When you read food labels, you’ll need to look for more than just the word “sugar.” Sugar hides under several sneaky names, including high fructose corn syrup, dried cane syrup, invert sugar, molasses, sucrose (or any word ending in “-ose”), brown rice syrup, honey, and maple syrup. If several sugars appear on the label, it’s an indication that the food is less healthy than you may think.
Fast food chains try to achieve taste as quickly and cheaply as possible by using sugar as a shortcut for good cooking. Instead, eat at a restaurant that spends a little more time on its food, or just cook your own meals at home.
Even drinks that are considered healthy can contain more of the sweet stuff than you’re supposed to have an entire day.
For most of the people going cold turkey isn’t realistic. Experts suggest cutting back slowly. For instance, if you normally put two packets of sugar in your coffee or tea, try one for a week, then half of that and finally add only a splash of milk.
Most people underestimate their sugar intake because it’s difficult to notice the amount of added sugar in our foods. Ready meals had doubled in added sugar content during last 25 years and consumption of all kind of sweeties has arisen explodingly.
Now there is cause for a concern about the increase of dangerous blood sugar levels, diabetes and obesity. I’ve pointed out the importance of control our sugar intake and addressed few ways how to reduce it on a healthier level. One chance in addition to those mentioned in this article is to join to some weight-loss program that avoid artificial sugars and processed foods such as and get the support to sugar control by that.
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