KEEPING ACTIVE
Physical inactivity is now identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality (3). So, as well as following a balanced diet, keeping active plays a crucial role in promoting overall health.
As referenced by the World Health Organization, evidence suggests that active men and women (compared to less active individuals) have a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, colon and breast cancer and depression. Individuals are likely to have less risk of hip or vertebral fracture; exhibit a higher level of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness; and are more likely to achieve weight maintenance and have a healthier body mass and composition (4).
SUGAR FACTS
The body breaks down each type of sugar in exactly the same way irrespective of where it comes from. For example, sucrose in an apple is broken down in exactly the same way as the sucrose in your sugar bowl. However, the rate of which the sucrose is absorbed can vary depending on if the source is a solid or liquid food, for example in an apple or apple juice.
Sugars are an important source of energy with glucose being the most important for the body. For example, our brain requires around 130 grams of glucose per day to keep functioning.
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