Editor’s Column: The Consequential Effects of Dessert

Desserts come after a filling, delicious meal. Always. That’s the tradition in global cuisines: you feel as if your stomach is about to explode and yet, you must eat those post-meal sweets.

While such cupcakes, brownies, lollipops, coffees, and more satisfy the consumer and offer an enjoyable end to the night, these delights actually pose as threats to our health.

According to Naini Setalvad, a renowned dietitian and obesity consultant, consumption of sugars after meals adds to the body’s overall sugar intake – the majority of foods (especially grains and lentils) already have sugar in them and fulfill the body’s daily needed amounts of sugar. Eating extra dramatically spikes blood glucose level, which lowers immunity and increases risk of obtaining numerous diet-restricting diseases such as diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and heart disease.

“Desserts have been my favorite part of the meal ever since I can remember,” said Joanna Yoo, a junior at Bellevue High School. “Now that I know sweets are harmful to me, I’m going to cut down on them, but it’ll be difficult.”

While the body digests carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and other nutrients, carbs are the ones that turn into blood sugar. The more carbohydrates included in your diet, the higher amount of sugars you release as you digest and absorb the food. As Healthline states, white grain products such as pasta and rice, cookies, sugared drinks, and cereals are high-carb foods. Those who do not watch their carb-intake should further avoid desserts, especially right after meals.

According to ChiSpree’s blood glucose chart, the body’s level is normally 170-200 Mg/DL after a meal. Two to three hours after, however, the level decreases to around 120-140 Mg/DL. Desserts’ sugar contributions can increase these levels to 190-230 and in the case of diabetes, 220-300 Mg/DL post-meal.  

Fruits may be a healthier choice but should also not be consumed post-meal. According to a Naver blog post by a Korean doctor, the body digests fruits quicker than a full meal. If consumed after a meal, these healthy fruits cannot be absorbed right away: such hindering
spoils and ferments the food, transforming it into acid. The fruit is mixed with food and digestive juices in the stomach, decaying all the foods. An unhealthy buildup of gas results.

It is recommended to eat fruits on a completely empty stomach or at least thirty minutes before a meal.

While individuals still have sweeth tooths, however, healthy, sugar-free dessert options do exist. Otherwise, you can wait thirty minutes to an hour before devouring your favorite dessert.