Saumya Tandon is the latest celebrity to reveal that she has stopped consuming sugar and its substitutes. "I gave up sugar /all sugar substitutes, honey, and jaggery 4 years ago. I only eat fruits and dry fruits and desserts made of them. It’s a game-changer. Try! Will keep posting desserts without using sugar/honey/jaggery and make you all believe we can eat sweet without sugar too," the Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! actor said while sharing a sugar-free sweet potato halwa recipe. "The decision that changed my life was giving up on sugar, honey, and jaggery. So what if I have sugar cravings? I have boiled sweet potato," added Tandon. Recipe Ingredients 1 tbsp - Ghee Sweet potato: Boiled and mashed Milk Can add saffron Cardamom Almonds Method In a pan, add ghee. Add boiled and mashed sweet potato. Roast it till it turns brownish. Add milk. You can add saffron, almonds, and cardamom powder. Cook for a little while. Switch off the flame. Dr Narendra Singhla, lead consultant in internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said that eliminating sugar, jaggery, and honey from one's diet can lead to significant health benefits. "Reducing these sources of added sugars helps with weight loss, as it lowers calorie intake and improves body composition," said Dr Singhla. He added that this change also enhances blood sugar control, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. "By balancing blood sugar levels, you can experience more sustained energy throughout the day, improved mental clarity, and reduced brain fog," said Dr Singhla. Additionally, Dr Singhla mentioned that cutting out sugar can improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support glowing skin and overall vitality. Dr Vidushi Jain, dermatologist and medical head of Dermalinks Noida and Ghaziabad, shared that avoiding sugar, jaggery, and honey can improve skin and overall health. "Skin looks firmer and brighter because of less glycation, which damages proteins in the skin like collagen, resulting in ageing," said Dr Jain. Dr Jain noted that reduced sugar intake minimises the inflammatory condition of diseases like acne, eczema, and rosacea by stabilising hormones and oil production. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saumya Tandon (@saumyas_world_) Dr Singhla mentioned that for natural sweetness, consider incorporating fruits like berries, citrus fruits, apples, and watermelon. These provide essential nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants without the negative effects of added sugars. How do we reduce sugar gradually? Natural sweeteners like stevia can be used in moderation as alternatives, said Dr Singhla. "Gradually reducing sugar intake, choosing whole foods, and staying hydrated are key strategies for transitioning to a healthier, sugar-free diet that boosts energy and well-being," said Dr Singhla. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
