A doctor dispels the most common myths related to sugar

Dr. Daria Rusanova, a Russian nutrition expert, points out that the prevailing belief about the beneficial properties of fructose, especially compared to sucrose, is nothing more than a misconception.

According to her, sugar is one of the most controversial products, as myths have been circulating around it for decades. If we consume it, we will not be able to follow a healthy diet, and more than that, we can harm the body.

The doctor points out that the first mistake is to consider sugar harmful to the body.

She says: “On the contrary, sugar is very beneficial for the body, because glucose is the main energy source for cells. Without sugar, as is the case without salt, the body cannot function fully. But too much sugar is harmful. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume it.” More than 25 grams of it per day (6 teaspoons).But this amount includes hidden sugars found in ready-made products that we buy in stores, such as sauces, sausages, semi-finished products, sweet yoghurts, etc. That is, without noticing it, we can "We consume much more sugar than the body needs. Hence the myth of the dangers of sugar. Therefore, we must carefully study the labels and calculate the sugar content in all the products we buy. Even if the packaging says that the product is sugar-free, it is necessary to carefully study the components of the substance."

The second mistake, according to her, is believing that fructose is healthier than sugar, which is not true. Because fructose is almost exactly identical to sugar, but the body's cells, with the exception of liver cells, cannot process it.

She says: “But, unlike sucrose, fructose is not absorbed by all cells of the body, but only the liver can process it. Therefore, if we use fructose instead of regular sugar, it will increase the burden on the liver, and thus may lead to fatty liver disease.” .

In addition, fructose does not provide energy to the body as sucrose does. This means that fructose cannot saturate the body with the necessary energy.

According to her, it is never a good idea to switch from sugar consumption to fructose in your eating habits. Because manufactured products containing this ingredient, including sweets and snacks, contain a high percentage of fructose, which cannot have a positive effect on health.

She says: “The fructose contained in these products made from corn syrup has a very high concentration - tens of times higher than in natural fruits. Therefore, it is not recommended for anyone who follows a healthy lifestyle to eat such products, let alone replace the usual sugar with fructose.”