Monday, September 24, 2012

Sugar?

How do you like your coffee or tea?

Black or with 1 or 2 sugar cubes?

As many of us know by now, our cells depend on sugar to grow. Our body needs sugar for the energy. Many mistakenly believe that sugar causes diabetes. Sugar doesn't cause diabetes. But candy and other sugary foods contribute plenty of calories, which can lead to weight gain, and being overweight greatly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Hence,w e should again try to limit our sugar intake if at risk of diabetes.

Similarly with cancer. How many times have we heard it mentioned that sugar causes cancer, that cancer patients should avoid sugar, or that sugar is the favorite food of cancer cells? The truth is, this goes beyond mere hearsay or traditional knowledge; there is actually a large volume of scientific evidence available which shows the link between sugar and increased cancer risk. You can read all about it here. In short: it is true that some cancer cells do grow at a faster rate if fed with sugar. Hence limited sugar consumption is recommended for cancer patients.

Studies have shown that refined sugar is devoid of important nutrients, causes obesity and cavities, and also increases cancer risk.

I have a sweet tooth. I love pastries, cakes, candies, soda, in fact anything sweet. But with the recent developments in the health of family members, I have been trying to cut out my sugar intake.

I find it hard to resist cakes and pastries, BUT when I bake my own, I cut down on the amount of sugar as indicated in the recipe. Also, instead of refined sugar, I try to use raw brown sugar or, if the recipe can take it, honey instead. Baby steps in that area!

As for drinks, such as tea, I used to be a 2 sugar person. But I have been slowly cutting down in that area, first to one and now to half. But for other drinks like soya bean milk, I am now able to have it sugar-less. It was difficult at the start, but where there's a will, there's a way.

So, how do you like your drink?

3 comments:

Charmaine said...

I used to take 1 tsp sugar in tea or coffee. But have managed to wean myself now to no sugar. If I have black tea like earl grey, I like to add a tsp of honey or slice of lemon. My MIL is a Type 1 diabetic, so I have to be careful about sugar in my baking too. I usually reduce the sugar quantity too from the recipes. Everything in moderation.

iml said...

Takes a bit of getting used to but I've been drinking sugarless milk tea. Still learning to drink coffee with one packet of sugar and more milk.
Only thing I indulge is chocolate.

doc said...

everything less sweet for me.....except chocolates!