Sweet as Sugar!



While the endearment ‘Sweet as Sugar’ may be used as a compliment, it turns out that sugar really does nothing to add to your health! Added refined sugars like sucrose and fructose have a high calorie count with no beneficial nutrients. They also come with a long list of health risks. On the other hand, many artificial sugar substitutes are even worse for you!

But don't worry - there are many ways to keep the sweetness without harming your health! The Feelgood Health team takes a look at the downside of refined sugar and turns to nature for healthier alternatives. 

We’ve all heard by now that refined sugar is bad for you! But did you know that it’s actually a silent killer? Refined sugar is also known as processed sugar or sucrose. It is extracted from raw sugar cane or sugar beets which are then processed into various forms such as granulated white and brown sugar, fructose, dextrose, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup and malt syrup. These refined sugars are often added to fizzy beverages, juices, cereals, snacks, cakes, sweets and other processed foods to make them so irresistible and keep you craving for more. They are also hidden in non-sugary foods such as sauces, bread, savoury biscuits and even fat-free food products. Definitely not the healthy choices we are often led to believe they really are!

The downside of refined sugar

•  Sugar increases your risk of heart disease

 Overloading on sugary foods creates extra insulin in the bloodstream which affects the arteries and adds strain to your heart. This causes damage to the heart over time and leads to heart attacks, heart disease and strokes. Research suggests that eliminating sugar from your diet can reduce high blood pressure, which is a major contributing factor of heart disease.

HAVE A QUESTION related to your health?

Email us, FREE of charge, for advice, click here.

•  Sugar causes excess weight gain and obesity

Worried that you’ve gained more weight? Perhaps, you should check your sugar intake because the more sugar you eat, the more you’ll weigh. Studies show that people who drink fizzy beverages tend to pack on the pounds more than those who don’t. And, the extra weight gain places you at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

•  Sugar is highly addictive

Eating sugar causes a release of a feel-good chemical called dopamine in the brain. This explains why you are more likely to crave a chocolate than a piece of fruit – your brain wants more and more sugar to satisfy those feelings of pleasure. Of course, the more you consume sugar, the more you will crave it! This may be good for the food manufacturers, but not good for you!

HAVE A QUESTION related to your health?

Email us, FREE of charge, for advice, click here.

• Sugar damages the liver

Excess sugar can have a toxic effect on the liver. All that extra sugar can cause the liver to become resistant to insulin and eventually your body won’t be able to control your blood sugar levels effectively – and this increases your risk of diabetes. 

•  Sugar zaps your brain power

Consuming a diet high in sugar can alter the brain’s ability to process and remember information – no wonder so many children struggle to focus and concentrate nowadays! Many teachers say that concentration literally goes ‘for a ball of chalk’ after children have visited the school tuck shop during break time! Research also shows that an abundance of sugar can affect the aging of your brain.

Here are some healthy alternatives to sugar

If you have a sweet tooth or crave a baked slice of cheesecake, there are healthier options to keep you satisfied for longer.

•  Add raw honey

Raw honey is a flavourful sugar substitute loaded with antioxidants, electrolytes and other beneficial nutrients. Studies reveal that it helps to lower your cholesterol while keeping the calories off. Eating raw local honey also helps to reduce seasonal allergies and can help to speed up healing! Add a dollop of Mac’s Raw Honey to your granola, smoothie, salad dressing or enjoy it in a soothing cup of tea. 

HAVE A QUESTION related to your health?

Email us, FREE of charge, for advice, click here.

•  Choose Organic Coconut Blossom Sugar

Use organic coconut sugar as a natural sweetener and replacement for table sugar. It is unrefined, unbleached and non-GMO and packed with potassium, electrolytes and nutrients. Organic coconut sugar digests better in the body and doesn’t cause your insulin levels to spike. It is also  great for baking cookies and pastries!  We love the fact that Organic Coconut Blossom Sugar is also a sustainable sugar source which benefits the environment and the communities that harvest it!

•  Give Xylitol a go

Xylitol is also a sugar alcohol which is extracted from corn or birch wood and can be found in fruits and veggies. It contains 2.4 calories per gram which is much less than the calories available in sugar. Xylitol increases the body’s absorption of calcium and reduces your risk of tooth decay and cavities. Make sure that you always have Lifematrix Xylitol Granules on hand to add to your coffee or tea. And, don’t miss out on Lifematrix’s  Xylitol Syrup which is perfect to drizzle over desserts, pancakes and smoothies. Best of all, it’s banting-friendly!

HAVE A QUESTION related to your health?

Email us, FREE of charge, for advice, click here.

•  Make Coconut Oil a kitchen staple

Coconut oil is a delicious sweetener which is free of any type of sugar. It is jam packed with beneficial fatty acids and is very good for heart health. Studies suggest that a teaspoon per day will keep you slim and trim and provide you with more energy. Use Crede Organic Coconut Oil when cooking or baking or simply add to your favourite beverage for a yummy burst of flavour.

•  Try Raw Cacao

Want chocolate but without sugar? Include raw cacao into your daily diet and experience the health benefits of this delicious chocolate flavour. It is high in antioxidants, and contains a good source of magnesium and iron. Raw cacao also has mood-boosting properties which will keep you feeling positive and happy, hence cutting down sugar cravings. Mix Superfoods Raw Cacao Powder into oatmeal, brownies or your favourite hot drink, and sit back and enjoy! 

HAVE A QUESTION related to your health?

Email us, FREE of charge, for advice, click here.

Invest in these natural sugar alternatives and you’ll soon see the dramatic changes in your overall health and wellbeing.