We're told not to eat sugar, swap for sweeteners and to only eat fruit. Don't eat too much fruit says the other dentist, because it will still rot your teeth due to the acid. It's obvious that too much sugar intake can cause obesity and diabetes along with other health conditions. But for one day, we're going to put that aside and give sugar a break by talking about some of the health benefits. Of course, consume in moderation but a little sugar won't harm (even Mary Poppins agrees). 

(Image credit: Science Daily) 

The Basics

Natural sugars are sugars that are found in fruits and milk, they are complex carbohydrates that give us the nutrition we need and help with blood sugar levels. Added sugars are things such as white sugar, brown sugar, honey and syrups that are added to food. They provide hardly any nutrition and can cause spikes in blood sugar. 

Benefit #1

Sugar can provide energy almost immediately. Once the energy for immediate use is being used, the body will store excess to use later on. This is called glycogenesis. This is a great process because it can allow us to go for longer periods of time without eating, however, when glucose exceeds storage the leftover is turned into fat. 

Benefit #2

Natural sugars come with added nutrients. When you have milk and fruit, they usually contain additional fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and hydration. You can indulge in all of the healthy treats without massive spikes in blood sugar. 

Benefit #3

According to some scientists, sugar can improve our brain health. Apparently, our brains use up 400 calories of glucose per day but it depends where you get the sugar from. So, don't be downing chocolate and Gookie Dough (however, it is a treat!) because the natural sugars have the real benefit. It's best to eat whole fruit than juice because an apple has more fibre and it's consumed slower.

Benefit #4

Glycolic acid in sugar can be great in keeping skin healthy. Using it can help to get rid of blemishes and restore the balance in oils. Sugar is also great on the skin in the forms of body scrubs. The gritty texture is perfect for exfoliating and removing dead skin cells which leaves you with luxurious smooth legs!

So, not so fast with cutting out sugar when you're hitting the hardcore diet. Sugar is needed and is essential, just eat the junk food in moderation and choose an apple over chocolate. Easier said than done, we know! 

Our heart is the key to our body being healthy. A healthy heart is the key to a happy life. Nutritional advice can be overwhelming but here at Gookie Dough, we like to keep things nice and simple. Here are the foods that can improve your heart health and those that aren't as good. 

(Image credit: funfitlasrozas.wordpress.com)

Mushrooms

Fungi are nutritional goodies. They contain anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamin D and antioxidants. They can reduce hardening of the arteries, cholesterol and blood pressure. You only need to consume three ounces of mushrooms to provide you with your daily dose of nutrients. Unfortunately, you either love them or hate them. Hide them in your mashed potato or chicken pie. Do anything!

Alcohol 

You don't have to ask us twice if we'd like a glass of wine. It's known that one glass of wine (drinking in moderation, of course) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase lipoproteins. We don't mean drink the whole bottle every single day as this can lead to heart attacks and high blood pressure. Drink to recommended amounts and don't overdo it. Remember, too much of a good thing can be harmful! 

Tea

(Image credit: futurity.org)

Us Brits love a good cup of builders tea. Researchers believe that antioxidants in tea can have a positive impact on our health. Tea contains good cholesterol which helps our cell membranes to function and also tries to remove the bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream. Of course, tea is good if you're not sprinkling it with sugar constantly. You'll end up with diabetes instead!

Energy drinks

A BIG NO. Caffeine, vitamins and stimulating ingredients are the worst for heart health. Drinking energy drinks can lead to palpitations, heart attacks and seizures (hence the new 16 age limit). Pumping all of these compounds into your body at the same time means that your heart is working harder and can struggle, especially if you have underlying health conditions in your genes. Gookie Dough wins yet again. 

So, eat your mushrooms, drink your tea and enjoy a glass of wine. After all, it is hump day and we're all dying in the office wondering when it's the weekend. Order your Gookie Dough here to keep you going till Fri-yay! 

Cookies are the perfect finger food and are perfect for any occasion. Sad? Have a cookie. Birthday? Have a cookie. Whether they're chewy, crunchy, chocolatey or fruity. A cookie is loved worldwide. So what are cookies like in other countries? We've investigated! 

New Zealand 

(Image credit: Food To Love) 

In New Zealand, we have the Afghan Biscuit which is baked with cornflakes and topped with chocolate icing and walnuts. This delight is soft and rich but with the crunchiness from the cornflakes. It's thought that the Afghan cookie was named after the Afgan cameleers and camel trains. 

Italy

Biscotti is something you're familiar with when you're at the coffee shop and you get a cute little biscuit on the side. The treat is from Roman times when it was eaten during long journeys and became essential to the Roman army. The cookie is twice baked and has a unique taste from the nuts, seeds and fruit. 

United Kingdom 

(Image credit: Low Impact Living) 

Well, apart from Gookie Dough (of course it's the number one favourite, who are you kidding?!), the UK is partial to a good old Custard Cream. Perfect with a cup of tea, this beauty was made over 100 years ago and has the design of swirly baroque ferns which link to the Victorian era. I bet you didn't know that!

Greece

The Koulourakia means twisted, hence its name. This golden butter cookie is flavoured with vanilla and sprinkled in sesame seeds which are twisted into shapes such as a figure eight, a braided circle or a Greek letter. Traditionally, it is eaten on Easter and is rather tasty. 

Netherlands 

(Image credit: vanwonderenstroopwafels.nl) 

The stroopwafel is the best part of the Netherlands and was invented in the late 18th century when it was a teat made with crumbs by the poor. Stroopwafel literally means 'syrup waffle' and is made by combining two round waffle halves filled with syrup or caramel and occasionally dipping one side in chocolate. The waffle is eaten with a hot drink and is placed on top of the cup so the heat makes the filling melt when gives off a gorgeous smell of sweetness. 

Philippines 

The Puto Seco is the staple cookie for the Philippines and is a white, fluffy rice cake which is eaten with butter or grated coconut at breakfast time. You can't say no to a cookie first thing in the morning, can you? 

Germany 

(Image credit: Taste of Home) 

The Lebkuchen (meaning gingerbread) or Pfefferkuchen (meaning pepper cookie) is softer than the average gingerbread. It is either rectangular or round and is sweet but also nutty. The unique combination is made with spices such as aniseed, coriander, cloves and allspice. Then many nuts are used to give it a crunch. Similar recipes are seen in ancient Egypt.  

Mexico 

A Coyota is a type of sugar cookie which is large and flat. It contains brown sugar and has other fillings. The most popular being jamoncillo which is a fudge. This cookie originated in Sinaloa during the 19th century and is eaten as a dessert or as a snack with a tea or coffee. 

So there you have it, just a few cookies from around the world that give you an insight that not every cookie contains a chocolate chip! Which one would you like to try?