There are many things which we consider evil and dangerous. There is, of course, Count Dracula, Darth Vader, the shark in Jaws, and The Wicked Witch of the West. But even more evil and dangerous – Sugar and Carbohydrates!
According to Harvard University, “The effects of added sugar intake — high blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease — are all linked to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.”
Carbohydrates and sugar affect you in multiple ways, including:
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“One common side effect of chronically high levels of sugar in the bloodstream is that it can make men impotent,” explains Brunilda Nazario, MD, WebMD’s Lead Medical Director.
This is because it affects your circulatory system, which controls the blood flow throughout your body and needs to be working properly to get and keep an erection.
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According to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation – People with diabetes know very well that food plays a big part in their blood sugar control.
Carbohydrates have the greatest effect on the blood sugar levels, and it is for that reason we pay close attention to these when managing diabetes.
Carbohydrates are the primary source of fuel for our body, so it’s important not only to choose healthier alternatives, but also to limit how many carbohydrates you eat at any one particular meal/snack.
In an article by the British Diabetic Association it was noted that “All carbs affect blood glucose levels, so it’s important to know which foods contain carbohydrates.”
Knowing how many grams of carbohydrates are in your food will help you choose healthier foods that provide you with the nutrition you need, with the minimum number of carbs.
Carbs from vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers or celery are much better for you than carbs from cake.
And, of course, don’t overeat, even if the food is healthy.
We know cutting out sugar can be really hard at the beginning, so small practical swaps are a good starting point when you’re trying to cut down on refined sugar. Swapping sugary drinks, energy drinks and fruit juices with water, plain milk, or tea and coffee without sugar can be a good start.
You can always try low or zero-calorie sweeteners, like Stevia or Monk Fruit, to help you cut back. Cutting out added sugars can help you control your blood glucose levels and help keep your weight down.
In light of the above, the staff at Real Health Products have been researching some sugar-free and low carb dessert and snack options. It’s been hard having to try all these sweet treats, but someone had to do it. 😊
So here are our current top picks. All are available at Amazon.com and possibly at your local health and grocery stores.
Candy
Smart Sweets https://amzn.to/3jTsqvC Think almost sugar free Swedish Fish, gummy worms, red licorice and the like. Sweetened with Monk Fruit and Allulose, only 3 grams of sugar in an entire bag – 9-10 pieces, as opposed to 4 to 6 grams in each piece of regular candy like Swedish Fish.
Lilys Chocolates https://amzn.to/3yMK5tr A full line of delicious stevia and erythritol sweetened dark and milk chocolate bars and candies. Also, chocolate chips for baking!
Russell Stover Sugar-Free Candies https://amzn.to/3tmXhny A large variety of sugar free (Stevia and Maltitol sweetened) chocolate caramels, mints, peanut butter cups, pecan delights as well as hard candy and more.
Ice Cream
Enlightened Keto Selection – https://amzn.to/3zUMWSb Available in pints and bars, an excellent substitute for sugar ladened confectioneries. You’ll go from 25 grams of carbohydrate per serving down to 4 or less.
Rebel – https://amzn.to/3jRwInB Comes in 9 different flavors, all sugar free and ranging from 4 to 8 grams of carb per pint. The Mint Chip is excellent – in my humble opinion.
Walden Farms Chocolate Flavored Syrup – https://amzn.to/3zS1guM No calories, fat, carbs, gluten or sugars of any kind and pretty tasty. Comes in Caramel too.
These suggestions should make it easier for you to reduce or eliminate sugar and carbs from your diet and help move you forward on your journey to a healthier you.