The anti-ageing industry often overlooks the root causes of accelerated ageing; hence consumers are bombarded with endless creams, surgeries, and injectables. Understanding the cellular impact of sugar is key to making dietary decisions that support skin health and reduce signs of premature ageing.
When consumed, classic sugars like glucose, react with proteins, DNA, or fats in the body, forming Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). Elevated blood glucose levels promote these harmful reactions. AGEs contribute to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, and kidney disease. AGEs can further contribute to skin conditions, such as diabetic ulcers and non-healing wounds.
Furthermore, because AGEs are irreversible and accumulate over time, they cause significant internal and external changes to the skin. Diets high in classic sugars are linked to acne development. Elevated insulin increases inflammation and bacteria on the skin which can trigger or exacerbate acne.
At Intelligent Sugar, we look at the science behind the ageing process when formulating healthier solutions.
AGEs’ Impact on The Body
An excess of AGEs can wreak havoc on your body internally, as AGEs bind to Receptors for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGEs). RAGEs are like switches found on the surface of cells. This binding trigger adverse responses in the body, causing inflammation and oxidative stress within the cells. This disrupts normal cell functions and results in chronic inflammation.
Degradation of Collagen, Elastin and Vimentin
AGEs also weaken skin structure by altering the genes responsible for maintaining skin structure, specifically those required to regulate protein production and breakdown. They increase the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes, which break down important proteins responsible for the skin’s elasticity and firmness, such as collagen, elastin, and vimentin.
Over time, damage causes collagen to turn brown, resulting in yellow discolouration of the skin as AGEs accumulate. And when AGEs harm vimentin, the skin’s ability to tighten and contract is weakened.
When elastin is damaged, the skin loses its firmness, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Excessive sugar intake further contributes to the development of cellulite and stretch marks. Moreover, the impact of reduced elasticity goes beyond just the skin: the elastic proteins in blood vessels stiffen, hindering their ability to handle increased blood pressure. This stiffness can lead to tears in the vessels, raising the risk of coronary diseases.
Ageing Intelligently
Dr Coy’s natural sugar mixtures include tagatose, a low-calorie, low-glycaemic simple sugar. Tagatose offers benefits by stabilising blood glucose levels (EFSA), which in turn helps prevent the formation of AGEs, reducing their harmful impact on skin elasticity and overall health. Regular consumption of tagatose not only slows the build-up of AGEs but also supports healthier skin by protecting its structure and elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and suppressing inflammation.
Tagatose’s unique benefits come from its low absorption rate in the small intestine. Only a small amount enters the bloodstream, while the rest is fermented in the large intestine by beneficial bacteria, promoting gut health. By balancing blood sugar levels, tagatose plays a vital role in preserving skin’s youthful appearance and protecting against the internal damage that accelerates ageing.
In addition to incorporating tagatose into your diet, it’s important to limit omega-6 fatty acids and increase omega-3 intake. Lowering blood sugar and balancing fatty acids helps reduce inflammatory prostaglandins, chemicals that trigger swelling and pain, further supporting healthy ageing.
With Intelligent Sugar’s natural sugar alternatives, you can make healthier choices that address the root causes of premature ageing, allowing you to age gracefully.