By: Ozren Podnar |
5 foods that eliminate sugar dependency |
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Most of us cannot explain why during the painful emotional states we reach for cookies, cakes, white bread, chocolate or pudding.
Many believe that these foods help them because they have excellent taste.
But it is only a part of the reason.
We are drawn to that food because the ingredients that raise spirits - simple carbohydrates, that is, monosaccharides and disaccharides.
In everyday language, we call them simply sugars.
When you bite the apple strudel or a donut, we introduce these compounds into our organism and immediately we feel better.
The need for serotonin
In our bodies simple carbohydrates begin a series of chemical processes that ultimately lead to lifting the level of serotonin in the brain.
Studies show that low levels of serotonin are among the main causes of cravings for sweets.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that creates a sense of calm and contentment.
The more serotonin, the better we feel.
So when we needed a rapid increase of serotonin, we seek sugary foods.
Unfortunately, it is often found in processed foods with lots of calories and few nutrients.
Excessive consumption of foods containing simple carbohydrates can cause many health problems.
Leading among them are diabetes, obesity and heart disease and blood vessel diseases.
And not only that - it was found that consumption of white sugar damages the liver, disrupts the hormonal system and increases the risk of cancer.
How to break the vicious circle
If you give in to too much craving for sugar in processed foods, you will cause a fast increase followed by an equally rapid decrease of blood glucose.
The sudden drop creates an even greater need for sugar, so it creates a vicious circle.
You can break it just by eating healthy foods that prevent sugar cravings - according nutritionists.
And complex carbohydrates, or polysaccharides, produce the same effect in terms of serotonin, they just do it slowly.
The following foods will satisfy your need for sweets without harm to your health.
1. Tomato
The tomato is effective against cravings for sugar, because it contains high levels of tryptophan - a substance that the body converts into serotonin.
This fruit is rich in chromium, a mineral that reduces the craving for food, and regulate cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
2. Apple
One of the best fruits to satisfy the desire for a sweet is an apple. It' is easy to carry and there is no need to peel or cut it as other fruits.
Even acidic varieties of apples contain a lot of healthy carbohydrates.
This fruit is rich in dietary fibers, which give a feeling of satiety and reduces hunger.
3. Sweet corn
Sweet corn is another healthy food that can help you to "quit sweets."
It is especially good for suppressing cravings for sweet when it is cooked.
It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers.
Besides the urge to eat sugar, it also reduced the feeling of hunger.
4. Sweet potatoes
Another vegetable that can help is the sweet potato.
These foods will not only satisfy your craving for sweets, but will additionally supply the body with vitamin C, D and B6 and iron.
Nutrients in sweet potatoes can help prevent heart disease, cancer and other degenerative diseases.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a fantastic spice that has a great taste and smell, so you can add it to many dishes.
Cinnamon is a great help against the craving for sweets.
This spice prevents sudden fluctuations in blood glucose levels that contribute to sugar cravings, thus delaying the need for intake of new portions of sugar.
These foods will not only reduce the craving for sweets, but will also improve your health and maintain a slim line. As an alternative to white sugar in the preparation of cakes and desserts you can use maple or agave syrup, stevia and coconut sugar.
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