That's why after the age of 40, it's even more important not only to ask how much you are eating, but also what you are eating. The biggest danger lies in carbohydrates, especially those found in processed foods.
Why are sugars and refined flour the biggest threat after the age of 40?
Carbohydrates themselves are not bad. The body needs them for energy. But the difference is where you get them from. If you get them from whole grains, legumes, or vegetables, the body releases energy slowly, while also getting fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But if you consume them from sweets, white bakery products, sugary drinks, and chocolates, you only get a quick spike of sugar in the blood, without nutrients.
Such a rapid spike triggers insulin, a hormone that the body releases to regulate blood sugar levels. If this happens frequently, the body becomes less sensitive to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. This condition often leads to type 2 diabetes.
Nutritionist Melissa Morris emphasized in one of her interviews that such carbohydrates are not suitable for any age, especially after the age of 40. Why? Because they don't provide anything beneficial, no vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants. Instead of nourishing the body, they just burden it.
Numbers that say much more than words
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults today consume an average of 95 grams of sugar per day, which is nearly twice the recommended amount.
The recommended limit is a maximum of 50 grams per day, ideally below 25 grams, which is approximately 6 teaspoons.
A study from the UK (2020) showed that people over 40 who reduced their sugar intake by 30% lost an average of 5 kg of body weight in just three months without a specific diet.
This clearly shows that sugar is not just an aesthetic issue, but directly impacts health and aging.
How does sugar affect the aging process of the body?
Consuming sweet and processed carbohydrates triggers inflammation in the body. Inflammation means the body is acting as if fighting an infection, even if there isn't one. This inflammation slowly damages cells and accelerates aging of the skin, joints, and organs.
A study from the USA (Harvard, 2021) showed that people with high sugar consumption have up to 40% more wrinkles compared to those who consume less sugar. They also have more issues with joints and heart.
Traditional wisdom has long known this. Our ancestors were almost unfamiliar with sugar. They used honey, but even that only occasionally. That's why they had fewer issues with obesity and chronic diseases that are now associated with modern times.
What can you do?
The most important rule is simple: limit processed carbohydrates. This means avoiding sugary drinks, chocolates, white bread, and pastries. You don't have to completely eliminate them, but limit them to rare occasions.
Instead, choose foods that will satisfy and protect you: nuts, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. These foods contain fiber, which ensures that sugar from food passes into the blood slowly. This way, there are no major insulin spikes and you feel full for a longer period.
Example: if you eat white bread, you will be hungry again in an hour. But if you eat whole grain bread with hummus and vegetables, you will be full for at least three hours.
In 2020, Japan launched a major campaign against sugar, as they found that the number of diabetes cases had doubled in the last two decades. The result? People began to drink fewer sugary drinks and more green tea. In just five years, the average sugar consumption decreased by 20%, and at the same time, the costs of treating obesity-related diseases decreased.
By 2025, Denmark introduced an additional tax on sweet products to encourage people to make healthier choices. The results are already visible. The average body weight of residents decreased by 1.5 kg in five years, which is significant at the national level.
Affordable Homemade Solutions
There's no need to reach for expensive substitutes. The best solutions are those that have always been at hand:
- Replace sugar with a teaspoon of honey in tea - contains enzymes and antioxidants that benefit health.
- Replace sweet drinks with water with a slice of lemon or mint.
- When you crave something sweet, eat an apple or a handful of walnuts - satiety will last longer, and the craving for sugar will diminish.
Our ancestors often said: sweet is for holidays, not for every day. If you follow this rule, you will quickly notice the difference.
Every choice counts after the age of 40 ...
Sugar and processed carbohydrates are appealing but are also one of the main obstacles to healthy aging. After the age of 40, when metabolism slows down, it is even more important to avoid them. It's not about complete deprivation, but about balance and smart choices.
By reducing sugar intake, you will not only lose some weight but also reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even premature skin aging.
Don't be deceived by sweet tastes. A truly sweet life begins where you take care of your health.
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