Sugar in various forms has been a part of our daily diets for centuries. From the time sugar was discovered, it slowly made its way into everything from baked goods to beverages.
Unfortunately, overconsumption of sugar has been linked to several health problems, with diabetes being one of them.
If there is one form of sugar that is particularly problematic, it is squeezed sugar. Squeezed sugar refers to any type of concentrated sweetener that can be extracted from a fruit or vegetable juice.
It could be from an orange, sugarcane, beetroot, pineapple, or any other fruit or vegetable, any-where in the world. While this type of sugar is natural and might sound harmless, it can still have serious health repercussions when consumed in excess.
What is Squeezed Sugar?
Squeezed sugar is any form of sugar that is extracted from a fruit or vegetable. It is the concentrated natural sweetener that results from the processing of fruit or vegetable juice.
When juice is extracted from a fruit or vegetable, the sugar is naturally extracted with it.
There are several ways in which juice can be processed and turned into squeezed sugar. The most common way is by evaporation. The juice is extracted from the fruit or vegetable and then heated, which causes the water to evaporate.
The remaining substance is a concentrated sweetener that can be used in various foods and drinks, including soft drinks, energy drinks, and fruit juices.
While some forms of squeezed sugar are made using natural fruit or vegetable juices, others are made using chemically processed juices.
These chemically processed sugars are often called high fructose corn syrup and have been linked to several health problems, including type 2 diabetes.
Why is Squeezed Sugar a Risk Factor for Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from a lack of insulin or the body’s inability to use insulin efficiently.
While genetics plays a role in the development of diabetes, lifestyle choices also contribute to the condition.
One of the most significant lifestyle choices that contribute to diabetes is the intake of high amounts of sugar. The consumption of sugar, especially squeezed sugar, has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Squeezed sugar has a high glycemic index, which means that it causes a rapid spike in blood sugar levels when consumed.
When consumed frequently or in large amounts, squeezed sugar can cause the body to become insulin resistant, which means that it cannot use insulin efficiently. This can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
In addition to its glycemic index, squeezed sugar is also high in fructose, a type of sugar that is metabolized differently from glucose. When fructose is consumed, it is metabolized in the liver, where it is converted into fat.
This fat can build up in the liver over time, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Squeezed Sugar and Obesity
Another major health problem associated with the consumption of squeezed sugar is obesity. Squeezed sugar contains a high amount of calories, which can increase the risk of weight gain and obesity.
There is a strong link between obesity and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that obese individuals are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who maintain a healthy weight.
Consuming foods and drinks that are high in squeezed sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can, in turn, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Alternatives to Squeezed Sugar
While it may be challenging to completely eliminate sugar from your diet, there are alternatives to squeezed sugar that you can consider. One such alternative is natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and stevia.
These sweeteners do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels and have a lower glycemic index than squeezed sugar.
Another alternative to squeezed sugar is to consume whole fruits and vegetables instead of processed juices. Whole fruits and vegetables contain natural sugars, vitamins, and fiber that are essential for the body’s overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
Squeezed sugar may be natural, but it can still have serious health repercussions, especially when consumed in excess. When consumed frequently, squeezed sugar can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other health problems.
It is essential to limit your intake of squeezed sugar and consume alternative sweeteners and whole fruits and vegetables instead.