Most people today are probably aware that sugar isn't one of the healthiest foods. However, sugar also carries flavor and provides the distinctive taste of our favorite snacks. Replacing a craving for a gummy bear with a slice of apple isn't so easy.
The sight and consumption of sugary foods activates our dopaminergic system, which is responsible for motivation and reward in the brain. This is because our body, and especially our brain, needs glucose for all its functions. Our body is able to extract sugar from every food we consume. The glucose is then sent to exactly where energy is needed at that moment. The hormone insulin helps with this, splitting the sugar from our blood and transporting it to our cells.
But why should we eat a low-sugar diet at all? It's quite simple: our body can get the sugar it needs from all carbohydrate-rich foods, such as rice or potatoes. Our body does not need to directly absorb simple sugars such as table sugar in baked goods or sweets. The WHO recommends no more than 5-10% of our daily energy requirements. With an energy consumption of around 2000 kcal, this corresponds to a maximum of 25g to 50g of simple sugar, regardless of whether it is in the form of table sugar or fructose. In Germany alone, we consume around twice that amount of simple sugar every day. Many ready-made products also contain added sugar for flavor and preservation purposes - and often in considerable quantities. Ready-made Bolognese, fruit yogurt, or spread from the supermarket often already contain the maximum recommended amount of simple sugar.
If we consume too much excess simple sugar every day, this can lead not only to weight gain due to the extreme spikes in blood sugar levels, but also to fatigue, lack of motivation and energy, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, or even skin diseases, long-term complaints and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, chronic diseases and heart disease.
However, it has been shown that consciously reducing sugar intake leads to a holistic improvement in well-being in the long term. Many people report better skin, a stronger immune system, increased concentration, better sleep quality, fewer cravings, and more energy in everyday life. Of course, in addition to reducing sugar intake, a generally healthy and balanced diet with wholesome foods that are rich in fiber and minimally processed also plays a crucial role.
Conclusion: Snacking on your childhood favorite candy every now and then, enjoying dessert at a restaurant, or having a cocktail with friends is absolutely fine and important for our mental health. Nevertheless, we should consume sugar more consciously in everyday life. In particular, eating a whole pack of cookies in the evening on the couch or the daily chocolate bar at work should be the exception rather than the rule.
Thanks to our "less sugar" product range, you don't have to miss out on sweet treats. A whole 50g bag of our sour worms has only 0.6g of sugar and 69 kcal, making it the perfect companion for a quick snack between meals or a sweet and sour end to the day – perfect for watching your favorite TV series.
