The surprising reason a sugar-free diet may backfire
Published on: June 16, 2026, 1 a.m. | Source: The Indian Express
A new study presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting suggests that completely eliminating sugar may not always be beneficial. Researchers found that mice on a sucrose-free low-fat diet developed poorer blood sugar control, insulin resistance, gut microbiome imbalances, inflammation, and signs of fatty liver disease compared to mice that consumed some sucrose. However, endocrinologist Dr Pranav Ghody cautioned that the findings are based on animal research and may not directly apply to humans. He stressed that there is a difference between avoiding added sugars and eliminating all sugars, as naturally occurring sugars in fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains provide important nutrients and support gut health. The key takeaway is to focus on a balanced, sustainable diet rich in whole foods and fibre rather than extreme dietary restrictions, as overall eating patterns matter more than cutting out a single nutrient entirely.
