For many years, the trend of eating less sugar has been considered the key to health and beauty. However, nutrition experts believe that excessive sugar reduction can have the opposite effect, especially on the skin.
Nutrition expert Athena Connell (working in Brisbane, Australia) said that sugar (glucose) is being misunderstood for its role in the body.
According to her, this is not only a factor related to weight gain, but also an essential energy source for a series of life activities, including the process of collagen production.
Collagen cannot function without energy
Collagen has long been considered the "golden key" to maintaining the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.
However, according to Ms. Athena, simply supplementing collagen such as adding it to coffee or drinks does not guarantee the body can use it effectively.
In essence, collagen is a protein that the body must continuously synthesize from amino acids.
For this process to take place, the body needs energy in the form of ATP (a compound made primarily from glucose).
In other words, if there is a sugar deficiency, the body does not have enough "fuel" to maintain the collagen production process. At that time, the amount of collagen supplemented from the outside is also difficult to be as effective as expected.
The less noticed role of sugar in anti-aging
According to expert Athena Connell, glucose acts as a safety signal for the body, helping it move to a state of rest, recovery and regeneration.
When provided with enough energy, the body can maintain stable metabolic activity, thereby supporting healthy skin.
Conversely, when the sugar level is too low, the body will activate stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to compensate for the energy deficiency.
This makes the body fall into a survival state, prioritizing maintaining vital functions rather than repairing and regenerating cells.
As a result, the collagen production process is interrupted, the skin loses its ability to recover, and early signs of aging easily appear.
Eating too little sugar can cause catabolism
Athena also warned that a prolonged low-sugar diet can lead to catabolism, when the body is forced to break down its own tissues to generate energy.
In this situation, instead of using collagen to nourish the skin, the body will redirect amino acids to maintain vital energy. This makes collagen supplementation less effective, even wasteful.
This is why more collagen does not mean more beautiful skin," Ms. Athena Connel emphasized.
Balance is the key.
However, experts also note that the message should not be misunderstood as uncontrolled sugar consumption. It is important to maintain a reasonable amount of sugar, prioritizing natural sources such as fruits, milk or honey, instead of refined sugar.
A balanced diet with enough energy will help the body maintain the natural collagen production process, thereby supporting the health of the skin, hair and nails in a sustainable way.
(This article is for reference only, not to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have health questions).
