Page 23 - Seniorstoday November 2023 Issue
P. 23
making them an unhealthy breakfast sugar that can lead to blood sugar spikes.
choice without adequate fibre or protein. Additionally, the predominant sweetness
in juice originates from fructose, a sugar
Artificial sweeteners type associated with the accumulation
of visceral fat in overweight individuals.
Preparing your own homemade smoothie
or squeezing fresh fruit juice (with pulp)
may demand more effort, but it enables you
to retain valuable fibre and sugar control.
Instant noodles
Indeed, it may seem paradoxical, but it’s
advisable to avoid artificial sweeteners. In
the past, many individuals opted for diet
soda and artificial sweeteners as a sugar
substitute, but it’s now understood that
these alternatives can pose greater health
risks than regular sugar. Moderation with
regular sugar is a preferable approach. A useful guideline to follow is to exercise
caution when products are labelled as
Packaged fruit juices and smoothies “instant.” The term typically signifies that
the food has undergone processes that may
result in a loss of essential components,
including fibre. While instant noodles
are favoured for their affordability and
convenience they are notorious for their
remarkably high sodium content and the
presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG),
which is a flavour enhancer associated with
its own set of concerns. MSG is frequently
used in cooking and restaurants, known
Hectic mornings and quick breakfasts to have addictive qualities that can lead
go hand in hand, making store bought to increased appetite. Consuming instant
smoothies and juices a tempting option. noodles can leave you feeling unsatisfied
However, these time-saving drinks often and their excessive sodium levels can
contain undesirable elements like added contribute to health issues such as high
sugars, fibre-deficient fruit,and high- blood pressure and high cholesterol, among
fructose corn syrup. While packaged others.
smoothies and juices may initially appear Be sure to think twice before spending
healthy, many of them lack nutritional your money on these foods and adding it to
value and are packed with calories and your daily diet!
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #52 | OCTOBER 2023 23
