It’s been debated for decades, so we wanted to find out once and for all; which is worse? The answer might surprise you.
It’s been debated for decades, so we wanted to find out once and for all; which is worse? The answer might surprise you.
Fats and sugars seem to be demonised or evangelised depending on the diet or health craze of the moment. Talk to a juicing fan and sugar can be good; but ask an Atkins follower and it needs to be avoided like the plague. So we figured it was time to get an unbiased opinion on whether we should be taking the fries (rich in saturated fats) or the brownies (packed with refined sugar). Granted, they’re both far from healthy options but which one’s worse for our waistlines? You might think it’s the former and we won’t blame you – for decades, the idea that fat was the main cause of obesity and a host of diseases dominated our culture and public policy.
But the truth is, there are good fats and bad fats. Bad fats include saturated fats from red meat, poultry and full-fat dairy, which can raise your cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. And then there’s the super-unhealthy, artery-clogging trans fat, a type of man-made fat you’ll find in cookies, pastas and, yes, fries.
Good fats, on the other hand, are essential for a healthy body and can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They include monounsaturated fats from avocados and most nuts, and polyunsaturated fats from plant oils and fatty fish like salmon. But before you start stuffing your face with a bag of nuts, hold up: all fats are high in calories, so you shouldn’t binge on foods rich in fat, good or bad.
Sweet Nothings
Just like fat, sugar comes in many forms, including fructose (from fruits) and sucrose (from table sugar). According to nutritionist Catherine Saxelby, there is no significant difference between the different types of sugars when it comes to our health – they’re all bad for you when taken in high amounts. Does that mean you should stay away from all sugary foods? The answer’s not so simple. As a rule of thumb, lay off foods that contain added sugar, like cakes and donuts, as they’re high in sugar while also containing next to no vitamins and minerals. Unlike these nutritionally empty options, foods with naturally-occuring sugars are good for you in moderation. Fruits, for example, contain fructose, but they’re also packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, making them great treats.
Harmonious Dining
So what’s the secret to a fit body? “If we take in the right amount of calories, we can achieve weight loss, gain or maintenance. These calories then need to be distributed across... proteins, fats and carbohydrates,” says Celeste Viviers, nutritionist and founder of wellness consultancy Nutrilicious. In short, it’s all about having a good ol’ balanced diet.
