Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
30 October 2015 07:53
Researchers found restricting children's sugar intake made them healthier
Cutting sugar intake can have dramatic health benefits even when no weight is lost, new research suggests.
Scientists in the US asked a group of more than 40 obese nine to 18 year-olds to follow a sugar-restricted diet for nine days.
Although their meals contained the same level of fat, protein and calories as their normal diets, the children's blood pressure and cholesterol levels went down.
The research team says their findings suggest that although sugar is metabolically harmful, it is not because of the calories it contains.
The team examined the impact that cutting back people's sugar intake has on metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that can raise the chances of Type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
Diabetes can restrict people's lifestyles but it need not rule out holidays, thanks to the diabetes travel insurance policies which can provide cover.
All the children taking part in the study were obese and suffering from at least one other chronic disorder like high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, excess fat on the waistline or high levels of blood glucose.
Their diets excluded added sugar but included fruit while the carbohydrates the children normally got from sugar were replaced by pasta and cereals. If the children's weight began going down they were given extra carbohydrates to keep it stable.
The meal plans meant the proportion of sugar in the children's diets was cut to 10% from 28%.
As a result, the research team from the University of California San Francisco and Touro University found the children benefited from lower blood pressure, decreased cholesterol levels and better liver function.
The youngsters' insulin levels also went down by a third while their fasting blood glucose levels dropped by five points.
The study is published in the Obesity journal.
The number of people living with diabetes in the UK has more than doubled over the last 20 years and now stands at almost four million. It is estimated that around five million people will have diabetes by 2025.
Even more people have pre-diabetes, meaning their blood sugar levels are above the normal range.
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
[more...]
16 April 2019
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.
02 March 2019
A Flybe flight was forced to abort take-off due to the cabin filling with "smoke" while it was accelerating along the runway at Exeter Airport.