π« Ditch the Sugar to Supercharge Your Immune System! Hereβs Whyβ¦ π
Although it may be tempting to eat comfort food high in sugar right now, it is actually the time to reduce intake of sugar for the benefit of your immunity πͺ
If youβre self-isolating, working from home or social distancing then food can be a source of comfort and of pleasure β but indulging in sugar laden junk food could lower your defences against the virus and other illnesses π
Sugar is full of empty calories and provides no nutritive value, but aside from weight gain concerns it can also directly compromise immune function β which is the opposite of what we need right now π
Studies have shown that excess sugar intake could have the following consequences to our immunity:
β²οΈ Delays Immune Response
𧫠Puts White Blood Cells into a Metabolic βComaβ
π¦ Interferes with the Growth of Good Bacteria
π Compromises Gut Health β 70% of your immune system lives in your gut
π€ Contributes to Inflammation & Chronic Conditions which Affect the Immune System
To make sure your immune system is as strong as can be in the coming months, switch out sugar for more nutritious foods such as fruit, veggies, seeds, nuts and plantbased proteins. To curb your sugar cravings, choose healthy snacks between meals and make your own nutritious treats from natural, real food ingredients π±
Pep & Lekker seed-based snacks are made from 100% natural, real food ingredients. Theyβre very low in sugar, with only a small amount which is found naturally in the apple and chicory root fibre used in our recipes. Whatβs more, we donβt use any syrups, added sugars or artificial sweeteners β which is all too commonly used in alternative high protein snacks π