Today I had a fantastic opportunity to talk about sugar, its effects on health and how to curb those cravings at the Finnish women's weekend.
Sugar has been in the media recently and for a good reason. Several studies has shown sugar and refined carbohydrate's role in increasing a risk of chronic diseases.
Highlights of the presentation included:
- The amount of sugar that is eaten has increased 31.5% since 1990
- The number of people with diabetes has more than tripled since 1980
- Sugar increases levels of triglycerides in blood and may contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Read food labels carefully. Sugar has many names such as fructose, glucose, maltose, dextrose. Even products labelled 'natural' or 'healthy' may have added sugars in.
- Increase intake of wholegrains, vegetables and good quality protein that contain fibre and are slower to digest. These won't raise blood sugar as quickly as refined carbohydrates