In these trying times, when diabetes is becoming the most rampant of all chronic conditions and being overweight is usually part of the problem, it is no surprise that healthy diets low in sugar are in demand. The idea of a completely sugar free diet, or at least one that is healthy and cuts down on the sugar, is a very appealing one. It is particularly intriguing for those who are diabetic or at risk of the condition, since a proper diet can limit the risk that one has to live with. However, just what sort of health changes and complications might that sort of diet require? Does it work as a weight loss plan?
The science
An estimated 30 percent of the total human population has problems with processing sugar. This includes an excessive sensitivity to it, such that the body tends to store or absorb it more. Some have problems with the chemical regulators that keep blood sugar levels under control. In rare instances, someone may actually be allergic to sugar, in which case a sugar free diet might be good. Medical science has also found that modern refined sugar has no actual nutritional value, and can safely be removed from the diet of most people. As far as weight loss plans go, the idea of cutting out all sugar entirely is not completely impossible to achieve.
The benefits
On the other hand, the notion of losing weight through cutting out sugar does have a number of health benefits. The obvious benefit of a sugar free diet is avoiding or cutting the risk of diabetes tremendously. The lowered blood sugar levels that this causes also allow someone to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. There is also a reduced chance of developing obesity, though sugar is just a minor factor here.
Trouble
There are, however, some problems inherent to a sugar free diet. For one thing, it is only really effective if the dieter prepares food from ingredients that haven’t been processed. Cutting out all sugar sources is a big mistake, so people are advised to consume unrefined sugars from grains and fruits to provide the body’s energy. Sugar free foods can be difficult to find, and other healthy diets don’t have any advice on how to find such things.
A sugar free diet can reduce the risk of numerous diseases and make life easier for someone who has diabetes. It also has a slight effect on weight loss, though the diet is structured to be more of a maintenance strategy than focusing entirely on cutting down weight. Still, there are those who swear these kinds of healthy diets are effective when combined with more exercise.
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