Sweets are definitely one of the foodie treats that are hard to rid off. However event those that do not consider themselves a fan of the sweet stuff may actually be taking in more sugar that what is recommended.
The experts have given a mark of daily consumption of sugar not to exceed 30g per day. However daily intake of juices, fruits and condiments which are packed with sugar may actually make dieters exceed the recommended amount of sugar consumption. Excess of sugar in diets can mar the teeth, increase weight and make the complexion unhealthy.
According to her statement in Cover Media Hala El-Shafie BSc Hons Nutrition & Dietetics, Consultant Nutritionist Director at Nutrition Rocks, explains, "Consideration for our sugar intake should be a priority in every woman's beauty regime, particularly when you consider how dramatically it affects the skin and the rapid deterioration of the skin's elasticity,"
"Poor nutrition combined with excessive sugar and refined carbohydrate intake is particularly damaging to the elasticity of skin due to a process called 'glycation', which is directly affected by sugar intake and its effect on ageing, which occurs when blood sugar levels become excessively high."
Sugar also affects the collagen and elastin molecules in the skin. The molecules are highly susceptible to sugar and exposure to sugar makes these molecules brittle and results in wrinkly, blotchy, dull and saggy.
International make-up artist and founder of WOW Beauty As Denise Rabor also notes that high sugar consumption dehydrates the skin and results to the formation of acne, spots and rashes.
According to Rabor, sugar infused alcohol, simple carbohydrates and foods that are pro-inflammatory, high-glycemic or high in saturated fats, should be avoided.
She recommends, "Look out for hidden sugars in your food; things like ready meals can be particularly high in sugar".
"Avoid adding sugar to your diet, trust me you will see a difference in your waistline if you cut out on bad sugars. Opt for complex carbohydrates, like brown rice and vegetables, because these are broken down into glucose at a slower rate.
"Low-glycemic options, like beans, nuts and whole grains, as well as fibrous foods, all delay sugar absorption and help to control blood sugar levels. Do your best to follow an anti-inflammatory diet of healthy fats by including foods such as avocados, lean protein like salmon, fibre such as broccoli and cauliflower and antioxidants like berries if you want glowing, youthful skin. Why not even try adding in supplements to your diet too, these will give your skin an added boost."
