"Sugar and Skin: The Bitter Truth & Sweet Solutions"

Sugar – it's in our morning cereals, our favorite desserts, and sometimes even sneaking into seemingly healthy foods. But beyond the sweetness, sugar carries a more sinister secret, especially when it comes to our skin.

When we indulge in sugar-laden foods, our body transforms carbohydrates into simple sugars like glucose. Too much sugar in our bloodstream triggers a process called glycation. In this bitter twist, glucose attaches itself to our body proteins, creating destructive molecules named AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products),and yes, it's a fitting name!. These culprits assault collagen and elastin, our skin's support system. The result? A fast-forward button to wrinkles, sagging, and a look older than our years. The Leiden Longevity Study Group found that higher blood sugar levels, even in non-diabetics, age our appearance.

But before you start seeing everything through sugar-coated spectacles, there's a way to keep enjoying your sweet tooth without signing up for premature aging.

Not just what you eat, but the order in which you consume it plays a pivotal role in how your body processes sugar. A study led by Alpana P. Shukla revealed a fascinating insight. When participants ate their proteins and veggies before their carbs, they experienced up to a 36.7% reduction in post-meal blood sugar spikes within the first hour!

So, what's the takeaway?

1. Order Matters: Prioritize consuming proteins and veggies before carbohydrates. This can significantly impact post-meal sugar and insulin levels in a positive way.

2. Veggie Boost: Load up your plates with vegetables. Not only do they provide essential nutrients, but they also play a protective role in stabilizing blood sugar.

3. Savoury Start: Start your day with a savory, rather than sweet, breakfast. This can reduce post-meal sugar spikes, ensuring a balanced glucose level throughout the day.

With these simple steps, you can relish your sugar, balancing its effects and ensuring your skin stays youthful. So go on, savor that sweet treat, but with a sprinkle of knowledge and a pinch of moderation.

Hungry for more details? Dive deep with these studies:

• Shukla, Alpana P., et al. on how food order impacts post-meal glucose and insulin levels. Dive in here.

• Noordam, R., Gunn, D.A., et al. linking high serum glucose levels to perceived age. Read the full study here.