“Nature’s Candy”: The best fruits to satiate your sugar cravings are…
That processed or refined sugar is bad for your health and can cause numerous ailments such as high blood pressure, acne, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease, among others, is a well-known fact. However, those with a sweet tooth find it extremely difficult to stay away from such foods. But what if we told you that there is a super healthy way to satiate your sweet cravings without all the harmful effects? Speaking of such healthy substitutes, Dr. Uma Naidoo, MD and a pioneer in nutritional psychiatry, took to Instagram to list some “healthy brain foods to satisfy sweet cravings.”
“Look no further than fruit! I like to think of fruit as “nature’s candy” as it is naturally sweet, but it also provides many plant compounds that improve mood and support mental fitness, and all you need is a little to feel satisfied. ‘ he captioned the post.
Benefits of fruit
FruitThey, of course, have a sweet taste and also contain a wide range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other plant components, all of which are beneficial to health. “Furthermore, fruit is rich in a number of essential vitamins and minerals such as C vitaminpotassium and folate,” said Sushma PS, dietician, Jindal Naturecure Institute.
He added that natural sugars give the body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, along with quick but long-lasting energy, and they also keep the metabolism steady. “Natural sweetness and essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C and folate are found in fruits,” she told indianexpress.com.
“Fruits are naturally sweet but provide many plant compounds that improve mood and support mental fitness,” said Dr. Uma Naidoo. (Photo: Pexels)
Dr Naidoo, has also listed the benefits of some specific fruits. I’m:
Strawberry, blueberry: Rich in fiber and anthocyanins to reduce neuroinflammation.
Kiwi: It contains serotonin and eating just two before bed can help promote better sleep.
Lemon, Orange: Loaded with Vitamin C, which helps regulate neurotransmitter function.
Cherries: They contain polyphenols that have been shown to support healthy memory and cognitive function.
Watermelon, melon: Naturally rich in vitamin B6, a nutrient whose deficiency has been associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Apple: great source of pectin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut for a healthy microbiome.
Natural sugar vs processed (white) sugar.
Dr. Anil Bhoraskar, Senior Diabetologist-SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim and Secretary of the Diabetic Association of India said that sugar, in any form, is a source of carbohydrates which is converted into glucose and used for energy by the body. “But the energy level depends on the source of the sugar. Fruits, dairy products, vegetables and other foods are a natural source of sugar, while refined or processed sugar comes from packaged foods or is added to foods and beverages during the manufacturing process or before eating them,” she explained, adding that consuming too much sugar can lead to “weight gain, acne and the risk of type 2 diabetes along with several medical conditions.”
Harmful effects of processed sugar
Processed sugar it has numerous adverse health effects, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even an increased chance of getting heart disease. “Plus, they’re linked to an increased risk of liver disease, some cancers, depression and dementia. Numerous health issues, including obesity and belly fat, both risk factors for more serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease, are to blame for refined sugars,” said Sushma PS.
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