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We can all agree that sugar by itself isn‘t healthy food. Yet, there are a lot of misconceptions about how much — if any — sugar you should be consuming as a part of your diet. Are some varieties of sugar, for example, healthier than others? Will cutting it out help you lose weight or avoid any other health problems? 

Unlike naturally sweetened foods such as some vegetables, fruit and dairy products, added sugars in manufactured foods provide no nutritional benefit to us. You’ve probably heard that we should all be consuming less sugar. However, experts genuinely mean that we should consume less added sugars since natural sugar comes with a package of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help offset some of the negative aspects of the sugar content.

Ultimately, your body does not require sugar, so it is suggested that having less is better. But you shouldn’t completely eliminate added sugar from your diet. Excess total calories in our meals, including those from sugar, contribute to weight gain, leading to obesity and may trigger the onset of chronic illness. But the same is true for too many potato chips, too much cheese, or even too much brown rice. This is why moderation is key.

Cutting back on sugar if you’re consuming too much of it doesn’t have to be difficult. Rather than giving up your favourite sweets, consider eating smaller portions. When you stay dedicated to eliminating added sugars at home, such as morning pastries, quick cereals, or heavy yoghurts, you may notice fewer sweet cravings when dining out.

We’ve established that sugar isn’t a healthy food, but it’s also not the poison it’s often portrayed to be. While some of us could manage without it, a small amount is entirely alright to consume.