Food

There are many low-calorie sweeteners, and almost every natural sugar substitute is marketed as the healthiest one, helping you control appetite and manage blood sugar levels. However, before you choose a sweetener, you need to understand how things work at the metabolic level. You need to know how a particular sweetener affects hormones, such as those that control appetite or regulate blood sugar levels. In this article, we focus on GLP-1, a vital metabolic hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells and brain neurons. What Is GLP-1? GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) is a signaling molecule derived from the proglucagon gene. GLP-1 is released in the small intestine and colon when exposed to nutrients. A small amount of this hormone is also produced in specific regions of the brain.  It does...

Monk fruit is one of the sweeteners often marketed as safer and more effective than traditional sugar. However, health-conscious individuals often question whether a sweetener or any other ingredient can be a part of their diet. This article aims to clear any doubts about monk fruit sweetener and to suggest alternatives if you have certain sensitivities. At the end of the article, you will have the knowledge to decide whether you should buy monk fruit sweetener or consider some other conventional sugar substitute. Origin and History Monk fruit, or Luo Han Guo, is native to the forested mountains of Guilin in the Guangxi province of southern China. It requires a very specific environment, including high altitude, significant shade, high humidity, and a constant mist that protects the vine...

While the basic metabolic processing of conventional sugar remains consistent throughout life, older people show a greater preference for sweetness. According to a study, higher sucrose consumption is associated with symptoms of depression in older people. Higher sucrose intake is also associated with increased risk of chronic diseases and cognitive decline. Sucrose can also interact with certain medications. How Sugar Processing Changes With Age Insulin Sensitivity Insulin sensitivity generally declines with age due to decreased physical activity, increased visceral fat, chronic low-grade inflammation, and changes in insulin signaling pathways. As a result, cells respond less effectively to insulin, making older adults more susceptible to post-meal glucose spikes. Muscle vs. Fat Musc...