Copyright WDIV ClickOnDetroit
DETROIT – Sugar consumption is a common issue in the U.S., with many Americans consuming too much sugar often without realizing it. But is it worse to eat sugar or drink it? Experts say it actually makes a difference. When you drink a sugar-sweetened beverage, the sugar is absorbed very quickly into your bloodstream, causing an almost immediate spike in blood sugar and insulin levels. By comparison, sugary foods take longer to digest and are absorbed more slowly. Halle Saperstein, a registered dietitian at Henry Ford West Bloomfield, explained the risks of excess sugar and how to make healthier choices. “Eating too much sugar can lead to fatty liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure,” Saperstein said. But drinking your sugar is even worse, she added, noting that many people don’t realize how much sugar they consume in beverages. “A 12-ounce soda has about 39 grams of added sugar, which is more than we’re telling the average person to consume in a day,” Saperstein said. “Just for reference, I really did get it out. 39 grams of sugar is like 10 teaspoons of sugar. Ten teaspoons.” Diet soda may seem like a better choice, but it has also been linked with an increased risk of health problems. “Some alternatives to sugar-sweetened beverages would be sparkling water or if you have a SodaStream at home, that’s an awesome alternative,” Saperstein said. “What is not a good alternative would be any sort of juice. Apple juice, orange juice, fruit juice—I would stay away from because you’re still drinking sugar.” For those wanting to cut back on sugary drinks, Saperstein shared an encouraging tip. “It takes about 20 days to change a habit. 21 days to be exact. And it’s possible, but it’s work and you have to make those substitutes.” Sugary drinks also stimulate the release of feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. That can make us crave these beverages even more and make it tougher to kick the habit.
