Sugar vs. Calories: What You Really Need to Know :

In our quest for a healthy diet, we often get bombarded with information about calories and sugar. But are they the same thing? And which one should we be focusing on? Let's clear the confusion and understand the key differences between these two dietary terms.

Calories are a unit of energy. They represent the amount of energy our body can obtain from consuming food. All foods, from fruits and vegetables to protein and fat, contain calories. Our bodies need calories to function – they fuel our organs, keep us warm, and allow us to move.

Sugar, on the other hand, is a specific type of carbohydrate. It's found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and milk, and it's added to many processed foods. While sugar also provides calories (like all carbohydrates), it's the source and impact of those calories that differs.

The key takeaway here is that not all calories are created equal. While the body can utilize energy from various sources, excessive consumption of added sugars can have negative health consequences. Added sugars contribute to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease and diabetes, and can negatively impact gut health.