Sugar in your daily life and Proper way to hydrate

If life lacks the sweet taste of sugar, it might become quite dull.

There are countless adjectives associated with sweetness, and as we know, they often evoke positive feelings.

The happiness derived from the sweet taste of sugar has been extensively researched, proving its significant influence on human life and culture, coexisting harmoniously.

The epitome of sweetness from ancient history to the present day is, sugar.

So, what exactly is sugar from a chemical perspective? Sugar is a combination of glucose and fructose.

From a nutritional standpoint, it serves as the basic fuel supplier for our activity in the form of glucose and is also a combination of fructose, a more efficient fuel.

While glucose and fructose can be consumed through various foods, sugar allows us to intake both nutrients most efficiently, without the need for digestion (and it tastes delicious).

Both glucose and fructose are essential for supplying energy for bodily activities, but, as with all things, excessive consumption can lead to toxicity.

If we consume more sugar than our daily activities require, our body uses a clever method to store the excess glucose for later use.

The main component of sugar, glucose, is converted into glycogen and stored, while fructose is transformed into neutral fats and stored.

Smartly stored nutrients can easily be converted for reuse, but if left unused, they can pose health problems.

Excessive sugar intake rapidly raises our body's blood sugar levels. To lower the quickly elevated blood sugar, our body uses insulin to bring it back to normal levels.

If excessive sugar intake occurs frequently, it can lead to a malfunction in the insulin secretion function, resulting in the development of diabetes—a dangerous disease known to cause various complications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily sugar intake of 25g. Let's explore some common foods that contain high amounts of sugar, although not all products may fall into this category due to the diversity of modern food items.

Barbecue Sauce:

Barbecue sauce, which enhances the flavor of meat, can contain over 9 grams of sugar per 2 tablespoons. This equates to the amount found in 2 teaspoons, potentially leading to unintended high sugar consumption.

Ketchup:

While ketchup pairs well with most foods, many varieties contain a significant amount of sugar. One tablespoon of ketchup typically contains nearly 1 teaspoon of sugar.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS):

HFCS is a sweetener commonly used in the United States. It is produced from corn starch through an industrial process and consists of both fructose and glucose. Many American food products, including soda, bread, cookies, and cereal bars, frequently contain high amounts of HFCS.

Sports Drink:

Sports drinks are designed to quickly supply the energy needed for exercise. They often contain a substantial amount of sugar to rapidly replenish electrolytes lost through sweating during intense physical activity. In fact, a standard 20-ounce (591-mL) bottle of a sports drink can contain 32.5 grams of added sugar and 161 calories, equivalent to 9 teaspoons of sugar.

So, what is the most effective beverage for hydration?

There are a variety of options based on the situation or personal preference, but from the perspective of hydration, the most efficient beverage is Oral Rehydration Solution or ORS.

While the ingredients may appear similar to those of regular sports drinks, ORS is actually a product developed for an entirely different purpose—it was initially created in the 1970s to treat dehydration caused by cholera.

To achieve effective absorption in the small intestine, ORS requires an optimal ratio of sodium to glucose as a crucial condition.

Therefore, while the ingredients of ORS may seem similar to those of regular sports drinks, more scientific conditions, including the ratio of sodium to glucose and the osmolarity of the solution, are necessary for enhanced hydration.

ORS fundamentally induces hydration through the optimal ratio of sodium and glucose. So, is the consumption of glucose inevitable for optimal hydration? AA-ORS replaces glucose with amino acids, operating on the same principles as traditional ORS but achieving effective hydration even without glucose. IV2 utilizes the scientific principles of AA-ORS to implement optimal hydration without glucose. While there is a common misconception that sugar-free beverages without glucose lack flavor, IV2 offers a surprisingly refreshing tropical punch taste for effective hydration anytime, anywhere.

Next Level Hydration, IV2