Sweet Is Not All Bad
By Tom Herrin
A lot of us have weaknesses when it comes to foods or drinks. It is often either salty foods, such as chips, or sweets. While salty foods can do a pretty good number on our blood pressure, the sweets may affect us in a number of ways. There are some salt substitutes on the market that some use, but artificial sweeteners today are widely used in all sorts of foods and drinks and for all kinds of reasons. The development of these sugar substitutes has been a process that has happened over a period of more than 140 years. Newer research and development has delivered some products that have an increasingly good taste.
A Diabetic's Friend
Diabetes is a problem that many people deal with. At one time, it meant that an individual afflicted would lose years off of their life and be deprived of many of the foods and drinks that others enjoyed. The development of artificial sweeteners has changed much of that. Following the development of useful insulin for treatment, sweeteners that allow diabetics to enjoy the simple things that others may take for granted has been a real benefit. A disciplined diabetic can now live a quality life with many of the same things that others are able to have on a daily basis.
Don't Expect Miracles in Weight Management
While sugar substitutes are good, they may not help you to perform miracles. Some people rely on them for help in losing weight. While it is a good idea to control the amount of sugar you take in, you still have to exercise some good practices. If it is done as part of an overall plan to minimize bad calories, it may be fine. If it is to allow us to gorge ourselves thinking we will continue to burn calories, it may not work that way. Some studies have found that drinking sugar-free drinks may backfire and cause us to eat more.
Self-Control Is Always Best
Except for those who are diabetic, any of us can consume foods or drinks containing sugar as long as we do so sparingly. A simple sweet treat will not threaten our health. If we continue to snack, it is a different story. Having a plan that includes knowing when to stop is usually the best way to manage our health anytime.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mobile, Ala.