Say what? A new Botox procedure? Not quite.
While we all know that sugar plays a significant role in weight gain and many diseases that significantly impact our health, such as Type 2 diabetes, the influence it has on other aspects of our body, including our skin and aging processes, isn’t as well known.
The deal is, sugar doesn’t do the body good no matter how you shake it.
Here’s the science behind how sugar makes us age faster and appear older than we really are:
Sugar molecules, in the form of glucose and fructose, link themselves to the proteins present in the collagen and elastin that support the dermis (our skin), producing advanced glycation end products, or “AGEs.”
Increased accumulation of AGEs in human tissue has been associated with end-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and, recently, skin aging. This cross-linking of the collagen with a sugar molecule causes the skin to become stiff and inflexible instead of soft and supple.
When we eat high-glycemic, high-sugar carbohydrates, it causes an immediate glycation of the protein in our tissues. Another interesting thing to note is that this glycation process is the same as that which discolors and toughens food in storage – think tanning leather or beef jerky. Something we definitely want to avoid when it comes to our skin!
The skin we can see is obviously not the only skin we have to worry about. These “sugar bonds” can occur throughout the body. The sugar molecule can attach itself to our arteries, veins, bones and even our brains. This increases cellular inflammation resulting in the breakdown of organ systems and the deterioration of the body.
So what should you eat to regress a decade in how you look and feel?
- Eggs instead of cereal.
- Unsweetened almond milk instead of skim milk.
- Full-fat heavy cream or half and half instead of flavored creamers.
- Fish or animal protein with veggies instead of pasta.
- Berries such as strawberries and blueberries over tropical fruits like grapes and mango.
- First cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil instead of canola and vegetable oil.
Darn that sugar; it’s like a bad boyfriend – or girlfriend. Now is the time to let that relationship go along with all the wrinkles it’s caused.
Good riddance!
Ashley Lucas has a doctorate in sports nutrition and chronic disease. She is also a registered dietitian nutritionist. She is the founder and owner of PHD Weight Loss and Nutrition, offering weight management and wellness services in the Four Corners. She can be reached at 764-4133.
