Do you find yourself constantly reaching for sweet treats, sugary drinks and baked goods? It's probably because your diet simply contains too much sugar. While a little bit of sweetness is perfectly fine, excessive sugar consumption can impact various aspects of your health, - including your blood sugar levels, dental health and even your heart. If you're finding it hard to cut down on sugar, there are strategies to help curb those intense sugar cravings.
If you've always put your cravings down to having a sweet tooth, you might be interested to find out that there's actually some science behind our 'sweet tooth' desires. Sugar falls under the category of carbohydrates, and studies have shown that consuming carbs can prompt the brain to release serotonin often referred to as 'the happiness hormone'. Our brains also release endorphins when we taste sugar, which explains why we often associate eating something sweet with feeling good.
However, overconsumption of sugar can lead to a number of health issues from weight gain to tooth decay - that's why it's crucial to limit our sugar intake. In the UK, the recommended daily intake of sugar varies depending on your age. According to the official NHS website , these are: While it can be easy to cut out unhealthy products which contain lots of added sugars, there are dozens of items which are also naturally high in sugar.
When in doubt, always read the backs of packets to check the ingredients and amounts. If you’ve got a bit of an.
