Healthy versus Unhealthy desserts


What makes most desserts unhealthy? Most people think just about calories when it comes to unhealthy eating, especially desserts. But actually calorie counting can be a very misleading way of understanding whether something is good for your body or not, and even of whether it will help us loose weight.

The typical example is of an avocado, which is rich in fat, but actually helps the body to lose weight.

Actually one of the worst things about unhealthy desserts is the high sugar content, and also the form of that sugar. Especially in Malta, we have very high rates of obesity and diabetes which are both highly connected to sugar intake. Most desserts are made from very refined sources of sugar, mostly white sugar and icing sugar. 

Refined sugar has been depleted of the vitamins, minerals and proteins that the body needs to utilize the sugar properly. So instead the body is consuming 'naked calories'.

"sugar is worse than nothing because it drains and leaches the body of precious vitamins and minerals through the demand its digestion, detoxification and elimination makes upon one's entire system.".

Daily over-consumption of refined sugar leads to over-acidification of the body leading to all kinds of health issues and a tendency to put on weight.

"Finally, in order to protect the blood, so much calcium is taken from the bones and teeth that decay and general weakening begin. Excess sugar eventually affects every organ in the body. Initially, it is stored in the liver in the form of glucose (glycogen). Since the liver's capacity is limited, a daily intake of refined sugar (above the required amount of natural sugar) soon makes the liver expand like a balloon. When the liver is filled to its maximum capacity, the excess glycogen is returned to the blood in the form of fatty acids. These are taken to every part of the body and stored in the most inactive areas: the belly, the buttocks, the breasts and the thighs."

One solution to the epidemic of hidden refined sugars, is to reduce sugar totally or to use natural sugars and sugars with a low glycemic index.

At Theobroma we are very selective and passionate about the kind of sugar that we use. Our two favourites are coconut sugar and xylitol. Coconut sugar and Xylitol both have a GI Index which is lower than regular sugar and coconut sugar also contains certain nutrients such as Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Potassium.

Although sweeteners are still sweeteners and should be consumed in moderation, at least when you want to satisfy that sweet taste, go for the best you can! 

Quotes -> http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/


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