Sugar is the most common ingredient used today when it comes to adding sweetness to a dish. But, this ingredient has gained bad reputation and it is also believed that it can be as addictive as alcohol. There are different types of sugar out there and they are not created equal. One is added sugar and the other one is natural sugar. Too much sugar is not good for anyone, but is it true that one type of sugar is healthier than the other? Let’s take a look at the difference between added and natural sugar.
Added Sugar
Added sugar is any sweetener that is added to foods when they are prepared or processed. This could be granulated white sugar, raw sugar or even corn syrup. The degree of sweetness usually varies and so does the flavor depending on the source of the added sugar. Added sugar is a pure source of carbohydrate and one teaspoon of added sugar can have about 15 calories. When a person consumes large amounts of added sugar, they can put on weight drastically. They will also often have a poor control on their blood sugar levels. The most significant amounts of added sugar can be found in energy drinks, sports drinks, soft drinks, baked goods, ice cream and candy. Read more
The flu season is here and if you don’t take the right steps and precautions, you could be the next one to sneeze and wheeze in your bed. While the 2012 flu season was the worst ever, it is believed that at least 20% of people are affected in any given flu season. Having the flu to many of us means suffering. You have to be in bed for at least a week and suffer headaches, body pains, fever and even vomiting. Those who have a weak immune system or those who are already suffering from a health condition such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes are more likely to be affected during the flu season. Flu can claim lives and every year, at least 3000 people die as a result of having flu.
Your grocery shopping for the month has been done and now your fridge is overflowing with all the foods that you think should go in there. On some foods, you can see labels that say “refrigerate after opening”, but on foods without such labels it is pure assumption that they should be kept in the fridge. While it does make sense that tomatoes will stay fresh longer if they are refrigerated, did you know that refrigerating such foods can alter their flavor and even reduce their nutritional value?
Healthy living is all about eating the right types of food. This all boils down to eating a balanced diet right from breakfast to evening meals. Balanced diet normally entails all the nutrients that the body requires e.g. proteins, carbs, healthy fats and vitamins. This article features a series of steps that will ensure you eat healthily.
Probably you are well aware of the fact that fruits and vegetables are very important to the body. But the question that you ought to be asking yourself is whether you know how to get the most out of these fruits and veggies. Do you? Juicing is the best way to gain the most out of nutritional values that fruits and veggies offer.
