At Organic Africa Chocolate, not only we care about bringing you irresistible chocolates, we also focus on your overall wellness. All our chocolates are made with organic and natural ingredients, such as tiger nut, dates, matcha tea, sesame and coconut milk, among others, so as to ensure you enjoy an exceptionally delicious taste as well as an outstanding nutritional value. Free of unhealthy ingredients and with no added sugars, these are an ideal choice for anyone, including vegans or those with diabetes or cardiovascular problems.
In a world where health is paramount, it is essential to understand the effects of what we consume. Recently, a guide published by the UPV/EHU (University of the Basque Country) has addressed the issue of sugars and sweeteners commonly used in the European Union, as well as their potential health impacts. This publication, entitled "Sugar and Sweeteners: What Should I Know?" and written by some members of the Spanish Nutrition Society, debunks many myths about sugar and sweeteners, providing a clear and an objective vision on this subject.
The guide details the main features of sweeteners compared to sugar, providing consumers with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their consumption. Through this guide, certain controversies about sugar and sweeteners are clarified, answering questions such as: Do sweeteners harm the microbiota or are they beneficial for it? Can they be consumed by people with diabetes mellitus? What are their risks of developing cancer or cardiovascular problems? All this, providing a scientific perspective based on evidence, so that readers can better understand the ingredients they consume on a daily basis.
The most commonly known sugar is sucrose, also known as 'table sugar'. It is obtained from sugar cane or sugar beets. In addition, it is common to find variants such as panela, a less refined brown sugar, which is therefore not healthier. It should be noted that honeys and syrups (extracts from some trees), which contain high levels of sugar and low levels of water, have also been traditionally used.
Excessive sugar can have significant negative effects on our health. Numerous scientific studies have shown that its high consumption is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart failure and fatty liver, among others. Added sugar in processed foods and drinks contributes to weight gain by providing empty calories without essential nutrients. It also increases blood sugar levels and causes insulin spikes, which can lead to insulin resistance problems and diabetes.
On the other hand, although theoretically sweeteners such as aspartame or erythritol may be more beneficial than sugar itself, as they provide less energy, they also have negative consequences and are not suitable for all people or all physiological (pregnant or in lactation) or pathological conditions. For example, polyalcohols (sorbitol, xylitol or maltitol) have fewer calories than sugars and do not cause tooth decay, but if consumed in large quantities, they can have a laxative effect, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea . One thing to keep in mind when choosing a sweetener is that not all of them can be used in cooking, for instance, sucralose and aspartame degrade at high temperatures and can produce toxic compounds.
Due to the many health problems resulting from high sugar consumption, such as obesity, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, alternatives to sugar can be found on the market: Sugar free or low sugar products. In the European Union, there are 19 types of authorized sweeteners that are used in combination to sweeten foods and beverages.
Thus, it is well known that sweetness is one of the most pleasant flavors, and sugars, such as glucose, fructose or sucrose, are used for this purpose. However, reducing sugar consumption is fundamental to maintain a healthy diet and prevent long-term chronic diseases. At Organic Africa Chocolate, we strive to offer options that take care of our health. Most of our chocolates do not contain added sugars; Instead, they are sweetened with dates, a natural and nutritious alternative that allows people with various types of diets, including diabetics and those with cardiovascular problems, to enjoy our products without concerns.
For more information about OAC and its products, visit us on our website!
Web: Delicious and healthy chocolate – Organic Africa Chocolate
Contact email for blind tastings: aitzi@doortoeurope.com
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🌟¡Hola!🌟 As you know, beyond making #DeliciousChocolate, we are also passionately committed to the #Welfare of #OurSociety and the #Preservation of the #Environment🌍. Our outreach work not only generates smiles, it also drives sustainable development 💪 and boosts the empowerment of the farming communities in Sierra Leone.
📝 Through this Blog, you'll dive into the amazing #Cacao universe and discover further about the #OAC project in #Africa. We sincerely hope you share our joint vision for a more fair and equitable world! 💬
I'm Aitziber, part of the OAC Marketing team and the author of this article 😊 We'd love to know what you thoughts are about it! 👇Leave us your comments👇
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