The effect of sugars on ageing skin is determined by the simple act of covalently vernetting two collagen fibres, rendering both unable to recover easily. Glucose and fructose bind the amino acids present in the collagen and elastin that support the dermis and produce advanced glycation end products or “AGEs”. read the full study here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20620757
Or that when your sugar levels are high the collagen slowly breaks down, something we all don’t want!
Now, of course, it is also true that we need sugars, so how do you get your sugars?
Eat sugar-rich foods that have lots of fibre in them. It’s the perfect combination.
In our society, we are very focused on protein and fat, but the biggest undiscussed problem is fibre deficiency as we eat more and more processed foods.
Take a banana, for example. It consists of an average of 14 grams of sugar and around 3 grams of fibre. You also get a good dose of vitamin C, potassium and B6.
That fibre (about 30 – 40 grams RDA) is important for our bowel movements and the way we absorb substances. Fibre allows for slower absorption, giving you a consistent supply of energy.
Our sugar levels rise the fastest from a glass of soda. The sugars almost all enter the blood immediately without any help from our intestines. The sugars from a banana do not enter our blood gradually for about 15 to 30 minutes. Our stomach and intestines have to process the banana first before all the nutrients are released.
For lunch, try a salad with some fruit. You’ll find that you’ll have virtually no “after lunch dip” and your energy will be more evenly distributed.
