Is it bad for a 64 year old to like some sugar in his bran?
So. There’s “sugar” (glucose - and fructose and sucrose...and others) found naturally in foods, and there’s SUGAR!
The USDA has their own opinions on how much “added sugar” an individual should be consuming on a daily basis (based, of course, on plenty of research)...
Here’s my opinion:
Cereal is a breakfast food [originally] designed to deliver low-fat, high-FIBER foodstuff into our daily lives. Furthermore, a cereal that has 12 grams or less (per serving) of sugar is ideal - but you can’t find a ton of options that fits the bill these days...
However - because individuals need a bare minimum of 20 grams per day of fiber (you, specifically, need more like 30), and bran cereal is a good source of fiber - if you DO manage to find a bran cereal that qualifies, and the only way you’ll eat it is with a spoonful of sugar, then...indulge (a little)......
If you are interested in more information on fiber:
Mayo Clinic
Harvard School of Public Health
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What is worse; sugar or salt?
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good question...
ReplyDeleteShort answer: It depends on the individual.
In general, people need both for their bodies to function properly - however, certain diseases (or family histories) mandate moderation (of one or both).
While there isn't a set number of teaspoons (for instance) of the "allowed" serving per day of added sugar - it is best for diabetics (or those predisposed) to limit their "added sugar" intake (and to engage in regular physical activity)...
Likewise, the recommended upper limit of sodium intake (per day) is 2300mg for a healthy individual...those with high blood pressure (or those predisposed) should cap their daily intake at 1500mg a day.
So, if I don't have family history of either, I do not have to worry about counting teaspoons of sugar or extra sprinkles of salt?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't have a family history of either, consider yourself LUCKY - as both are very prevalent diseases (in America, at least)!
ReplyDeleteHowever, even though you might not fall into a "high risk" category for developing these diseases (because you don't have a family history), it doesn't necessarily mean that you don't need to pay attention to what you're eating...
When it comes to sugar and salt (and fat, while I'm at it), it's important to keep in mind that most processed foods - including foods that you get in a restaurant - are already high in these "nutrients" (the quotes are there to remind everyone that, while these things are necessary for body function, too much of a good thing CAN turn into a bad thing)...
So - I guess what I'm saying is it's ALWAYS good to be mindful of what (and how much...OR how little, for that matter) you are eating. If you don't eat a lot of processed foods, then a sprinkle here and there of either is probably fine - but if you DO eat foods that already have plenty of added sugar and salt, skipping the sprinkle is probably best!
Thank you for all this information.
ReplyDeleteNo problem!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure :)