Sugar is not poisonous, and enjoying something sweet does not mean you have failed at healthy eating. The concern is the amount of added or free sugar that can quietly build up through drinks, sauces, cereals, snacks and everyday convenience foods. Your body cannot calculate your sugar intake for you, but certain patterns may suggest that it is time to look more closely at what you are eating. On this page What counts as free or added sugar? Appetite, energy and concentration Digestive, sleep and visible changes Longer-term metabolic clues How to cut back realistically What counts as free or added sugar? Free sugars include sugar added during manufacturing, cooking or at the table, as well as the sugars in honey, syrups, fruit juice and fruit-juice concentrates. The naturally occurring sugars inside intact fruit, vegetables and plain milk come packaged differently and are not usually the main target of sugar-reduction guidance. What matters most is your overall e...

A humble tin of sardines has become an unlikely social-media beauty star. Fans of “sardinemaxxing” claim that eating sardines regularly can calm acne, hydrate dry skin and create a noticeable glow. Sardines are certainly nutritious, but healthy skin is more complicated than one trending food. On this page What is sardinemaxxing? What sardines bring to the table What the research says Possible downsides A balanced approach What exactly is sardinemaxxing? Sardinemaxxing is the online trend of eating sardines frequently in the hope of improving health, appearance or both. Unlike many wellness trends, it is based around a genuinely nutrient-dense food. The exaggerated name, however, can make the practice sound more powerful and extreme than the evidence supports. What sardines bring to the table Omega-3 Fatty Acids Sardines provide the long-chain omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. These fats form part of cell membranes and help regulate inflammatory processes throughou...

  Why do some days find you reaching for a chocolate bar while others have you craving salty potato chips? Food cravings are often dismissed as mere temptations, but modern research reveals they can be windows into what your body truly needs—physically and emotionally. In this article, we delve into the science behind food cravings and offer practical strategies for managing them in a healthier way. The Brain-Gut Connection Your gut and brain communicate through a complex network of hormones and neurotransmitters. Imbalances in this pathway can make certain foods more appealing. For instance, low serotonin levels can spark a desire for carbohydrates, which help produce more of this feel-good chemical. Understanding this connection can empower you to make more informed choices when cravings strike. Nutrient Deficiencies and Cravings Sometimes cravings stem from your body’s attempt to correct a deficiency. Craving salty foods, for example, might be a sign of insufficient sodi...