The problem with sugar is that sometimes we talk about refined sugar, other times about carbohydrates, although, in the end, it's all the same. Essentially, we recognize simple and complex carbohydrates, but the peculiarity of refined sugar is that it's pure calories, nothing more.

Since carbohydrates are found in every vegetable, fruit, and grain, the answer is simple: the human body does not need refined sugar. If you want to eat healthily, you shouldn't eat anything sweetened.

But here’s another alarming fact: 74 percent of processed food contains refined sugar. Refined sugar can also be found in meat products, dairy, baked goods, pasta, soft drinks... Producers are not legally required to disclose how much sugar is in a product, and sugar is often hidden under other names like malt extract, dextrose, rice or barley syrup, corn syrup...

Too much refined sugar causes hormonal issues, problems with insulin, increases fat deposits, and raises blood pressure... Excess insulin interferes with leptin, the hormone that controls appetite in our bodies. There's really no reason to consume refined sugar.

The sugar we get from fruits and vegetables is a little different. Since we consume it along with fiber, the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream slows down, and this sugar provides the body with energy.