Doctor distinguishes giving up sweets from eliminating carbohydrates

Avoiding candy, cakes and sugary drinks is different from eliminating all dietary carbohydrates, gastroenterologist Evgeny Belousov told Lenta.ru. RIA Novosti reported his comments on October 9.

He said cereals, potatoes, legumes, vegetables and fruit still supply carbohydrates without desserts. Limiting sweets can help some people control calorie intake, but does not mean everyone must eliminate all sugars.

Belousov also highlighted strict bans’ psychological effects. Calling chocolate forbidden can sometimes increase preoccupation with it, followed by abandoning restrictions and feeling guilty, he said.

WHO recommends free sugars account for less than 10% of daily energy, while retaining quality carbohydrate sources. Diabetes and other metabolic conditions require a specific treatment strategy. General comments about sweets do not replace individual medical advice.