TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sugar is often considered the cause of various health problems, from weight gain to premature aging. However, nutritionist Athena Connell shares a different view, believing that sugar actually plays a vital role in maintaining body health, including helping to slow the aging process in women.
Athena highlights that many women are advised to limit sugar consumption and increase collagen intake through supplements. She notes that this approach isn't always simple and often costs more, while the results aren't necessarily optimal.
Sugar Acts as an Energy Source for Collagen Production
Athena explains that collagen doesn't provide immediate benefits simply by consuming it in powder or supplement form. The body must still produce collagen naturally through metabolic processes that require energy.
This energy is obtained from glucose, a simple form of sugar that serves as the body's primary fuel. Glucose helps produce ATP, an energy molecule needed for various essential functions, including the formation of collagen, which plays a role in maintaining skin elasticity.
She believes that without sufficient energy, the body will struggle to maintain optimal collagen production, impacting the health of skin, hair, and nails.
Long-Term Impact of a Low-Sugar Diet
According to Athena, a lack of glucose can trigger the body to increase the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to maintain energy. This condition can put the body into a catabolic state, where body tissue is broken down to meet energy needs.
If this condition persists long-term, it is thought to inhibit the skin regeneration process. Instead of repairing tissue, the body diverts resources to maintain basic functions.
She added that skin health depends not only on the amount of collagen consumed, but also on the body's ability to produce it naturally with sufficient energy.
While highlighting the benefits of sugar, Athena does not recommend excessive consumption. She emphasizes the importance of nutritional balance so that the body has sufficient energy to carry out metabolic functions properly.
With the right intake, sugar can act as a component that helps the body stay energized while supporting the tissue repair process, including maintaining healthy-looking skin and slowing down aging.
This perspective adds a new perspective to discussions about diet, especially for women who want to maintain healthy skin while maintaining overall body balance.
ECKA PRAMITA | ANTARA | HINDUSTAN TIMES
Read: Foods That Help Reverse 3 Signs of Stress-Induced Aging
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Uncertainty over Sugar King Land Permits
34 hari lalu
The Sugar Group is being targeted in a suspected land permit corruption case. Business players should not be arbitrarily displaced.
Indonesia to Enforce High-Sugar Labels on Food and Beverage Packaging
50 hari lalu
The industry is obligated to provide high-sugar labels based on the health conditions of the Indonesian people.
Indonesia Confirms No Rice or Sugar Imports for Consumption in 2026
1 Januari 2026
Indonesia will not import rice or sugar for consumption in 2026, citing strong domestic production and adequate reserves.
Agricultural Observer Responds to Indonesia's Sugar Import Halt
29 Desember 2025
The Central Administrator of the Indonesian Association of Agricultural Economics, Khudori, speaks up about the government's decision to halt sugar imports in 2026.
Indonesia Mulls Applying Sugar Warning Labels on Packaged Drinks
13 November 2025
The plan aims to protect Indonesia's younger generation from the threat of diabetes and kidney failure due to excessive sugar consumption.
Four Sugar Company Leaders Sentenced to Four Years for Import Corruption
29 Oktober 2025
A panel of judges sentenced four leaders of major sugar companies to four years in prison each for their roles in a corruption case.
Coffee Lovers, Beware! Aromatic Coffee May Affect Your Blood Sugar Levels
7 Oktober 2025
The hidden sugar in aromatic coffee can secretly affect your blood glucose level, sometimes as dramatically as when consuming a dessert.
Indonesian Govt to Revise Import Relaxation Rules If Found Disrupting Industry
30 Agustus 2025
Minister of Trade Budi Santoso asserts that Permendag 16 of 2025 may be revised if proven to threaten the sugar and downstream industries domestically
Indonesia's Danantara Commits Rp1.5tn to Purchase Farmers' Sugar, Minister Says
22 Agustus 2025
Merchants are unwilling to purchase sugar due to the abundance of refined and crystallized refined sugar in the market.
Nine Private Sugar Importers Seek Case Dismissal After Tom Lembong's Abolition
5 Agustus 2025
Nine private sugar importers will request the AGO to withdraw the indictment after former Trade Minister Tom Lembong was granted abolition.
