November 3, 2024

6 Surprising Benefits of Reducing Sugar

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Many people are deciding to reduce or eliminate their added sugar intake. But is this just some wellness fad that will fade out as soon as it arrives, or is there something behind this choice?

That's precisely what we'll cover in this blog post. We'll discuss added and naturally occurring sugar, the importance of sugar, some benefits of cutting down on added sugar, and some sugar-free products if you're also looking to cut back.

Added Sugar vs. Naturally Occurring Sugar

The difference between added sugar and naturally occurring sugar is clear-cut. Some foods come already "sweetened" by Mother Nature, such as:

Cherries
Bananas
Oranges
Honey

That's not all the foods that contain naturally occurring sugar, but you should get the idea at this point.

On the other hand, you get added sugar when a processor or manufacturer adds sugars at some point in their preparation process. Think of pastries or candy. The sugars in such foods are usually refined sugars, which means that a natural source is highly processed until just the sugar remains. Some examples of refined sugars include granulated sugar from sugar cane or corn syrup from corn.

The Importance of Sugar

Before we discuss the benefits of reducing added sugar, let's first clarify that sugar is not the "bad guy."

Our bodies need sugar to function properly. In fact, the body converts most carbohydrates into glucose, a vital sugar used for energy. The main culprit is excessive sugar, primarily added sugar, which has no added nutritional benefits.

If you are considering changing your diet, it is best to consult a licensed physician or dietitian beforehand. Also, remember that everything is best in moderation (because sometimes we deserve a treat).

The 6 Benefits Of Reducing Added Sugar

Now that we've covered natural vs. added, and why sugar is essential in general, below are six benefits one might experience by reducing their intake of added sugars.

1. Stronger Teeth

This benefit is something your parents probably reminded you again and again of as a kid (especially after Halloween). When you consume sugar, it interacts with bacteria in plaque to produce an acid that slowly dissolves the enamel of the teeth. By cutting out sugar, you can avoid such complications with your teeth.

2. Easier Weight Management

two healthy young individuals in the gym eating healthy meals

When you cut added sugars from your diet, you also cut out a common source of excess calories. Plus, by avoiding added sugars, you can help keep your blood glucose (the sugar found in the blood) at a healthier level, which makes for easier weight maintenance.

3. Boosted Heart Health

How does sugar affect your heart? Consuming too much added sugar can raise your blood pressure, which, in turn, may lead to chronic inflammation. Both high blood pressure and chronic inflammation in the heart are correlated with an increased risk of heart disease.

4. Lowering the Risk of Depression

According to a cross-sectional study published in 2024, using data between 2011 and 2018, researchers found that a 100g per day increase in dietary sugar correlated to a 28% higher risk of depression.

Additionally, much like an addictive drug, sugar activates opiate receptors, which may lead to the compulsive consumption of sugary foods, even building up tolerance as time goes on.

5. Better Skin Health

woman applying lotion as part of her skin care routine

According to dermatologist Dr. Carl Thronfeldt, sugar has two main effects on the skin:

Activates inflammation
Makes the skin stiff by binding to collagen

These two factors can cause severe damage over time. In other words, reducing added sugars should be as much a part of your skincare routine as applying sunblock.

6. Improved Sleep

Did you know that increased sugar intake can contribute to restless nights? A 2016 study found that between two groups, a control group allowed to eat whatever they wanted and one that went on a controlled diet that restricted sugars and fats, the group without the restrictive diets spent less time in slow-wave sleep (also known as "deep sleep").

Some sources even state that sugar may also stimulate the brain, making it difficult to fall asleep in the first place.

Sugar-free Options for Cannabis Enthusiasts

If you're looking to reduce your added sugar intake while also enjoying high-quality cannabis products, you're in luck. Below are a few of our sugar-free product selections

For Gummy Enthusiasts

Fans of cannabis gummies can now rejoice because, at Hometown Hero, we’ve developed our very own sugar-free Delta-9 Gummies. With the mellow, tart taste of prickly pear and an added touch of allulose (a sweetener that doesn’t get absorbed by the body), you can enjoy the higher potency of a full-fledged edible, balanced with live rosin from a hybrid strain and reap the benefits of reducing your sugar intake.

For Those Seeking a Good Night's Sleep

As mentioned earlier, reducing added sugar may help you sleep better. But if you want to take things further, our Rest Capsules may be what you want. With a 50mg option and a 25mg option (for the Delta-8), each capsule contains a blend of Delta-8 THC for relaxation, 5mg of CBD to ease the mind, and 5mg of CBN to deter disruptions in rest.

For Those Looking to Get Active

Exercise is excellent for weight management and reducing sugar intake. Whether you need a boost of energy to get going, a soothing recovery from an intense workout, or winding down after an active day, the ORCA collection of sugar-free pills and topicals has you covered for every phase of exercise.

For Those with Physical Discomfort

Tinctures are so underrated in various ways (besides ours being sugar-free). Besides having a long shelf-life, tinctures are like a "two-in-one" product. You can enjoy them sublingually for a faster onset of effects or swallow them to get a longer duration like edibles. Our Delta-8 Tincture collection features a variety of flavors to suit different preferences:

Mint
Berry (High Times Cannabis Cup Winner)
Natural (cannabis flavored)

For Those Seeking Psychoactive-Free Relief

Psychoactive effects aren't for everyone, and we totally get that. If you're looking for a more gentle form of relief (that could be better for the daytime), we recommend our CBDA + CBGA Tincture. Per bottle, this tincture consists of:

600mg CBDA
600mg CBGA
600mg CBD
600mg CBG

Both CBDA and CBGA are pretty rare cannabinoids due to their sensitivity to both heat and light. This unique combination is worth checking out for CBD enthusiasts looking to try out new blends of novel cannabinoids.

For Those Looking for the Right Mood

Sometimes, we must get in the right mood for the right occasion. All of our disposable vapes feature live resin concentrate, offering strain-specific properties and curated blends of cannabinoids. So whether it's a sativa perfect for creative activities and socializing or an indica that pairs well with listening to albums and quality meals, there's a mood for every occasion with our disposables.

Final Thoughts

We can change many things in our daily habits to get closer to living well, feeling better, and getting more out of our days. Sugar is important for how our bodies function overall, and it's best to remain conscious about the types of sugars we consume and on what basis (everything in moderation). And if you're looking to cut down on your sugar consumption while maintaining your consumption of high-quality cannabis, we have plenty of options for your choosing.

Until next time, happy exploring and Mind Your Mind.

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.