We all know that refined sugar gets a bad rap in the media and for good reason too.

Refined sugars, like white sugar and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) found in a lot of processed foods today, are made up of roughly a 50/50 split of glucose and fructose, and these are metabolised very differently within our bodies.

While every cell in our body can access glucose, making it the preferred source of fuel, fructose is metabolised in the liver where it is converted for use. But when we eat a lot of foods high in calories and fructose, the liver becomes overloaded and turns the excess into stored fat.

Research has shown that excess consumption of refined sugars is inflammatory and is often associated with diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancers. More research is looking at whether the over-consumption of refined sugar while breastfeeding can heighten the risk of obesity and health issues for the baby later in life.

Refined sugars are highly processed leading to a product that is often referred to as having ‘empty calories’ – high in calories but with low to no nutrients or fibre. Both of which are vital to the wellbeing of the body.

Fibre slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and helps stabilise blood glucose levels – helping to balance energy levels during the day. This helps us avoid those energy spikes and dips that have us craving all the sugary things especially during that all-to-common afternoon slump.

This is one of the reasons why moderate consumption of fruit is recommended. The high amounts of fibre in fruit help the body process its’ small amounts of fructose.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy ‘sweetness’ without using refined sugar and this is one of the things we’re most proud of with our Boobee Lactation Cookie Bites [link].

We use organic coconut sugar and fruit to sweeten our cookie bites. Coconut sugar contains less fructose than refined sugar, is lower on the glycemic index and retains more nutrients and fibre.

Looking after your own health with nourishing, nutrient dense foods while breastfeeding means you are in a better position to support the needs of your baby.

Because what’s better for you is better for baby!