Why Avoiding Refined Sugar is Good for Your Sexual Health

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We don’t want you to give up sugar. But if you want to be your most sexy self, you need to start considering your sugar intake, and, if possible, avoid refined sugar as much as possible. Taking steps to avoid refined sugar is Step #6 in our 10 Steps to Sexy.

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Why reducing refined sugar benefits your libido

You don’t have to nix the jelly beans entirely. But if you want to look and feel your most sexy, you are going to want to reduce sugar as much as possible, especially when you hear this: According to research performed at the Child & Family Research Institute in Vancouver, overeating sugar can cause the gene that controls the level of testosterone and estrogen in the body to shut down.

What is refined sugar?

We hear a lot of talk about processed foods but in case you aren’t sure meaning of refined sugar, the term basically refers to highly processed sweeteners. Two examples of refined sugar foods are table sugar and high fructose corn syrup. So processed sugar foods we want you to cut down or avoid entirely include things like sodas sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and heavily processed, packaged desserts.

Is sugar bad for you?

We aren’t saying that all sugar is bad for you. But sugars, like fats, are better for you when they’re all-natural.

The effects of processed sugar

You want to choose the best sugar. Choosing more foods without refined sugar can do wonders for your body. Processed sugars, particularly sugary drinks are linked with not only obesity but also unwanted belly fat. Some experts even believe that added sugars can lead to heart disease. And you need a strong heart to be a great lover.

Refined sugars are also linked with diabetes. And take note that, particularly in women, a diet high in processed sugars puts you at risk for depression.

This is not to say that you need to eliminate sugar entirely from your diet. That’s just not realistic. But what you want to do is choose the best sugar and start avoiding processed white sugar and other processed forms of sugar wherever you can.

How to choose natural sweeteners

You obviously can’t avoid sugar. After all, sugar is our body’s primary fuel. But like a sexy sports car, your body wants the premium stuff to give the highest performance. But what is the best natural sugar?

Naturally occurring sugars like the ones found in fruits and vegetables give your body what it needs without any of the ill effects that can occur when you eat processed sugar. And, unless you follow a vegan diet, you will probably also get some of your sugars from dairy.

Most people aren’t satisfied with limiting their sugar to pure fruits and vegetables and maybe a little dairy. That’s why we recommend that instead of white sugar, you look to less refined sweeteners like honey, maple syrup and molasses.

Yes, these three sweeteners are simple sugars. But at least they’re minimally processed. Another plus is that natural sweeteners tend to be sweeter than the white, granulated stuff. And the sweeter the sugar, the less you’ll need to use.

If you want a sweetener that’s granulated like white sugar, try coconut sugar. Although it has the same calories as table sugar, it has a lower glycemic index. It also has some of the nutrients of coconut, which is one of our 10 Best Foods for Men’s Sexual Health.

The 10 Steps to Sexy Diet
Step 7

Edited by Delahna Flagg, PhD: This article was reviewed and additional research was provided by Center for Mind-Body Medicine certified practitioner and Eat Something Sexy Nutrition Director Delahna Flagg.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It is important to consult your physician before making dietary changes. More information

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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.