Our Bodies & Sugar

Have you seen this recent article from WIRED (https://lnkd.in/ddFnZ6aP) highlighting startup Zya's innovative approach to transforming the way our bodies process sugar?

As Wired notes, the average American adult consumes two to three times the recommended amount of added sugar every day. Zya has embraced the knowledge that systemic change in the food industry often comes not from asking consumers to compromise or change their eating behaviors, but from giving them access to better ingredients in the foods they are already used to eating. 

How do they do this? By improving the way our bodies digest the sugars we eat.

By harnessing the power of a specific enzyme, Zya has created an ingredient that helps our bodies convert the sugars of the foods we eat into fiber... which could potentially change the game for health-conscious consumers and the food industry alike.


I'm especially intrigued because this innovation isn't just about reducing sugar content; it's about reshaping our food landscape to prioritize both health and taste. It opens doors to enjoying the foods we love, with the added benefit of fiber and without the health drawbacks associated with high sugar consumption.

However, as we embrace these exciting developments, we must also be mindful of the broader picture — the impact of ultra-processed foods on our health, as I posted about last Wednesday: https://lnkd.in/dDymqPCG].

While reducing sugar is crucial, it's equally important to consider the overall composition of our diets. Ultra-processed foods, despite their convenience, often contain additives and preservatives that can undermine our health.

In my personal health journey and as a protein expert, I've always championed the benefits of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. Protein, along with other essential nutrients, plays a critical role in our well-being. It's about more than just what we remove from our diets; it's about what we include.

Whole foods, rich in nutrients, should form the cornerstone of our dietary choices, and we should try to replace ultra-processed sugars as much as possible with naturally sweet options in the form of fruits.

I'm intrigued, but still undecided, overall. I welcome your thoughts in the comments below.

What do you think about this new innovation? Would you continue eating the foods you normally do if they start containing this new ingredient when it launches?

To your vitality,
Lizanne