How Less Sugar in Your Diet Can Extend Your Life

Sugar is such a paradox. According to scientists, "sugars are the building blocks of carbohydrates, the most abundant type of organic molecules in living things." In other words, we would not have existed without the presence of sugar. Sugar is in our diet, in our body, and in most organic things that surround us. Yet Science Daily reports that the researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham just found out we could all use a little sugar restriction in our diet, if we wish to live longer.

Glucose (and other forms of sugar) is the culprit for many modern day diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Yet, we derive our energy from the consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Did you know that a 20-ounce soda alone contains about as much as 15 cubes of sugar? Many of us who drink coffee prefer to use artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. The illusion that we are taking less sugar and therefore are losing weight actually increases the odds that we will gain weight. How? When we think we consume sugar-free foods, we try to eat more. After all, how is another fat-free and sugar-free dessert going to harm us? Scientists soon found out that sugar substitutes fool our brains who are geared towards metabolizing real glucose. When the brain does not receive the "real thing", it tells us to eat more or be lethargic.

Now what has sugar restriction in the diet got to do with a longer life? The scientists at the University of Alabama tested normal human lung cells as well as cells that are likely to acquire cancer very soon (precancerous). They fed both types of cells with a controlled amount of glucose. The result? The normal lung cells lived longer when given less sugar. The precancerous cells died when given little glucose. If medicine is looking for a way to prevent cancer cells from growing in our body, this is a groundbreaking discovery.

It may be hard to believe, but calorie restriction does lengthen the lifespan of cells. However, it is also hard to kick the sugar habit. Yet, with a little knowledge and discipline, we can all try to be more self-conscious about the amount of sugar we consume everyday.

For those who have a sweet tooth, there are always alternatives to the sugary lifestyle. You can make a conscious habit of reading labels to make sure the sugar content in your food does not exceed your RDA. Eat fruits instead of pop tarts. A high fiber diet ensures that you are fuller longer and don't need to drink that extra soda at work.

And if you really want to kick the sweet habit, just think about this: The less sugar you consume, the less likely you are going to live with diabetes and suffer from cancer in the future. Isn't that a great wake-up call?