How Much Sugar is Too Much? Find Out the Health Benefits for everyone to watch the Sugar content in the Foods, as well as Beverages.

Home Care in Etobicoke – The Not-So-Sweet Side of Sugar Consumption

Counting calories, cutting carbs and checking fat content are all part of eating a healthy diet and living a healthy lifestyle. While all of these are important, sometimes it’s not enough because the person is eating way more sugar than they should. Often, they are not even aware of their sugar consumption. Many processed foods can be low in calories but high in sugar. There are health benefits for everyone to watch sugar content in the food and beverages they consume but especially for senior citizens. Seniors can not only become addicted to sugar but they may also have some health issues related to overloading on sugary items.

Keep up the good work Canada! The Canadian sugar institute had this to say, “According to Statistics Canada data, estimated consumption of sugars and syrups in Canada has also been decreasing over the past 4 decades. These data include refined sugar, honey and maple sugars, but do not include corn sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), glucose syrup, and dextrose.” http://www.sugar.ca/Nutrition-Information-Service/Health-professionals/Sugar-Consumption.aspx.

The Mayo Clinic conducted a study showing adults over the age of 70 who ate diets high in sugar, carbohydrates, and low in protein and fat had a greater risk for mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment is when there are problems related to thinking and memory that go beyond typical aging. Sometimes seniors, who have mild cognitive impairments, can eventually develop Alzheimer’s disease. In the study, seniors who ate diets low in sugar and carbohydrates but was higher in protein and fats seemed to have a better chance of not developing mild cognitive impairments. Doctors noted mild sugar intake was acceptable but too much can interfere with how your brain processes carbohydrates and sugars. Sugar in foods and beverages also has other issues such as:

• Foods with large amounts of sugar can be high in calories.
• Processed foods or foods high in sugar usually are not able to satisfy a senior’s hunger for long.
• People who eat foods high in sugar typically don’t get the nutrients and vitamins they need and can get from eating healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Seniors who swap out sugar-snacks for healthy and nutritious snacks will feel better and have higher energy levels.
• Eating foods packed with sugar can lead to weight gain.
• Seniors should be aware of the amounts of sugar they are eating. They made need assistance from a caregiver to help them make better dietary choices.

Canadians are making good choices overall by cutting sugar consumption. If you think you or your elderly loved one may be addicted to sugar or consuming large amounts, speak to your doctor or dietician for some more sugar-cutting strategies. Home care services can help your senior parent plan and prepare nutritious meals each day.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Etobicoke, please  contact the caring professionals at Staff Relief Health Care 24/7 at 905.709.1767.