Hey everyone, it’s Nathan Derry here, taking a break from the world of real estate to talk about something just as important—what we’re putting into our bodies. You’ve probably noticed how bees and ants tend to swarm around a spilled soda or a ripe piece of fruit, but they seem less interested in anything artificially sweetened. Have you ever wondered why that is? Do they know something we don’t?

Natural vs. Synthetic: A Tale of Two Sugars

First, let’s break down the difference between natural sugars and synthetic sweeteners. Natural sugars, like the ones found in fruits (fructose) or honey (glucose and fructose), are produced by plants and are essential to life processes in nature. On the other hand, synthetic sweeteners, like aspartame or sucralose, are created in labs to mimic sweetness without the calories or glycemic impact of natural sugars.

So why do bees and ants gravitate toward foods with natural sugars instead of the diet soda you accidentally left open on your porch?

Insects Know the Real Deal

(Left: Real Butter / Right: Margarine)

Bees and ants are surprisingly picky eaters. When it comes to feeding, these little guys go for natural sugars because their bodies can easily break down and convert these sugars into energy. Natural sugars contain glucose and fructose, which not only taste great to them but also fuel their daily activities—like collecting pollen for bees or building intricate underground homes for ants.

Synthetic sweeteners, while designed to trick our taste buds, don’t offer these critters the energy or nutrients they need. In fact, insects will often bypass synthetic sweeteners altogether, likely because their evolutionary instincts tell them, “This stuff won’t power me up!”

Do Insects Know Something We Don’t?

It’s pretty fascinating to think that ants and bees, with their tiny brains, can somehow discern what’s truly beneficial for them. Meanwhile, humans often fall for the allure of low-calorie sweeteners, thinking they’re making healthier choices by avoiding sugar. But what if we’ve got it wrong?

Natural sugars, when consumed in moderation, provide nutrients and energy our bodies can actually use. While synthetic sweeteners might save you a few calories, they come with their own set of concerns, such as their potential to disrupt gut bacteria, lead to overeating, and cause insulin confusion in the body.

How Could This Be Detrimental to Our Health?

While it might seem like a no-brainer to reach for “sugar-free” alternatives, the truth is, our bodies aren’t designed to process synthetic sweeteners the same way they process natural sugars. Here’s how that could be problematic:

1. Gut Health: Recent studies show that synthetic sweeteners can mess with the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut, potentially leading to digestive issues and even weight gain. Natural sugars, on the other hand, are more easily digested and assimilated into the body’s systems.

2. Appetite Confusion: When you consume artificial sweeteners, your body gets confused. It tastes something sweet, but it doesn’t receive the calories or nutrients it expects. This can lead to overeating later as your body tries to make up for the missing calories.

3. Metabolic Issues: Some research suggests that overuse of artificial sweeteners might even trick the body into developing insulin resistance, leading to issues like type 2 diabetes. Natural sugars, though still needing to be moderated, don’t seem to have the same metabolic risks when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

The Takeaway: Listen to the Insects!

If bees and ants—creatures that have been around for millions of years—are sticking to natural sugars, maybe there’s a reason for it. While we don’t have to avoid synthetic sweeteners at all costs, it’s worth considering the benefits of choosing whole, natural foods that provide real nourishment, not just an illusion of sweetness.

In the same way I help clients find the right home that fits their lifestyle, I encourage you to find foods that genuinely support your health, energy, and well-being. Because if bees and ants can figure it out, surely we can too, right?

All the best,

Nathan Derry, Realtor, JohnHart Real Estate

📍JohnHart Real Estate

📞(424) 303-0440

📧 nathan@jhagents.com

👨🏽‍💻 itsnathanderry.com

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