There is an overwhelming amount of information in the media suggesting that sugar harms our health and that we should avoid all types of sweets. However, it is natural and acceptable to desire meals with a sweet taste.
The consumption of fresh fruit, which provides natural sweetness, is beneficial to our health and a good source of calories for the body. There is a solid explanation for why our tongues have a high concentration of sweet receptors. Therefore, I strongly recommend incorporating substantial fresh fruit into your diet.
You should also know that creating a whole meal using natural sweets from fruits is perfectly fine. If you have never tried this before, you might be pleasantly surprised by how fulfilling it can be.
Our sweet tooth was initially developed to encourage the consumption of fruits for long-term health benefits. Unfortunately, in their quest to make their products more appealing, food corporations often exploit our natural affinity for sweets in ways that harm our health. Processed or extracted sugars do not contribute to human health like natural sugars from whole fruits.
Refined food strips it of most nutrients, including water, fiber, and other essential components. Only sugar remains, devoid of the nutrients it should have been packaged with. This extracted sugar has a higher calorie density, providing extreme pleasure and satisfaction.
Additionally, foods with the highest levels of added sugars also tend to contain high amounts of added fats, salt, refined flour, and animal products, making them harmful for various reasons beyond just their sugar content.
To make matters worse, food manufacturers add these highly concentrated and flavorful sugars to unhealthy, high-fat diets, making them even more appealing to our taste buds and contributing to diseases.
Here are some examples:
- Obesity: Processed foods and meats often contain high added sugars, unhealthy fats, and calories. Regularly consuming these foods can lead to weight gain and obesity, which increases the risk of several diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Diets rich in added sugars, especially in the form of sugary beverages and processed foods, can contribute to the development of insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Excessive sugar intake can lead to chronic high blood sugar levels, which strain the body’s ability to regulate insulin effectively.
- Cardiovascular Disease: A diet high in added sugars, particularly when combined with unhealthy fats, can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. This includes conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
- Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Excessive consumption of added sugars, especially fructose, can contribute to fat accumulation in the liver, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. If untreated, NAFLD can progress to more severe conditions like liver inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) and liver cirrhosis.
- Dental Problems: Frequent consumption of sugary processed foods and beverages can lead to tooth decay and dental cavities. The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and lead to dental problems.
- Metabolic Syndrome: Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Diets high in added sugars, mainly processed foods and meats, can contribute to the development of the metabolic syndrome.
It is crucial to recognize that the sugar naturally present in whole foods, including fruits, is not a problem. It is necessary and should be embraced. The real issue arises when sugar is isolated from its natural source and consumed excessively.
In the United States, people of African American descent have a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those of other races and ethnicities. The greater frequency and severity of diabetes in the African American community can be attributed to several causes, including the following:
Higher Prevalence: African Americans have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared to non-Hispanic whites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans are approximately twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as non-Hispanic whites.
Obesity and Lifestyle Factors: Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and African Americans have higher rates of obesity compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. This can be attributed to a combination of genetic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors, including diet quality, physical activity levels, and access to healthy food options.
Socioeconomic Disparities: African Americans experience higher rates of poverty and lower socioeconomic status, which can limit access to healthcare, healthy food options, and resources for managing diabetes effectively. These disparities can contribute to challenges in diabetes prevention, management, and access to healthcare services.
Diabetes Complications: African Americans with diabetes may also face higher rates of diabetes-related complications. This includes a higher risk of kidney disease, lower limb amputations, vision problems, and cardiovascular complications.
It is essential to address these disparities and provide equitable access to healthcare, education, and resources for diabetes prevention and management within the African American community. This includes promoting healthy lifestyle habits, improving access to nutritious foods, increasing awareness about diabetes, and ensuring culturally sensitive healthcare services.
What Black People Should Eat More Fruits and Vegetables and Less Meat and Processed Foods
A whole food plant-based diet has been shown to have significant benefits for individuals with diabetes, and in some cases, it may help manage and even reverse the condition. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of any dietary approach can vary depending on individual factors and each person’s specific circumstances.
Several studies have suggested that a whole food plant-based diet can improve blood sugar control, reduce insulin resistance, and reduce weight loss, all essential factors in managing diabetes. This diet focuses on consuming minimally processed plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds while minimizing or avoiding animal products, refined grains, added sugars, and unhealthy fats.
By emphasizing whole plant foods, which are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and various beneficial compounds, a plant-based diet can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and support weight management. Additionally, the higher fiber content in plant-based diets slows down the absorption of sugars, which can help prevent blood sugar spikes.
Several studies have shown positive outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes who adopted a whole food plant-based diet. For example, research by Dr. Neal Barnard and colleagues at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine demonstrated that a plant-based diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes led to significant improvements in blood sugar control and even partial or complete reversal of diabetes in some participants.
It’s important to note that dietary changes should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian, especially if you have diabetes or other underlying health conditions. They can provide personalized guidance and monitoring based on your needs and help you create a well-balanced plant-based meal plan that meets your nutritional requirements.
While a whole food plant-based diet can be beneficial for managing diabetes, I strongly suggest you talk to your doctor. It should be seen as a supportive approach that works with other aspects of diabetes management, regular monitoring, and physical activity.
