News Flash: Sugar is Bad For You

So I saw on the news last night that according to researchers, sugar is toxic and should be regulated like alcohol and tobacco.  I think we all know that sugar is really really bad for us but to what extent?  Researchers claim that sugar (specifically found in high fructose corn syrup and refined sugars) are as detrimental to society as alcohol and tobacco.  They say there is a direct correlation between sugar and obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

The researchers propose regulations, such as taxing all food and drinks that contain added sugar, banning sales in or near schools, and placing an age limit on purchases.

Seem extreme?  I dunno.  Based on what I know about sugar, I really hope they can at least increase public knowledge on the topic.

Here are some different types of sugar, where they come from, & what damage they can do to the body:



Refined Sugar

In its simplest form, it is the juice from the sugar cane plant.  But all the enzymes, fiber, vitamins, and minerals are destroyed during the refining process.  First the cane is pressed to extract the juice.  Then the juice is boiled so that it will thicken and crystallize.  Next, it is spun to remove the syrup.  After that, the sugar is washed and filtered to remove any nonsugar materials & to decolorize it.  Finally, the sugar is dried and packaged.  So you see, refined sugar has no nutritional value.  And, it's usually in foods that have a lot of fat, useless calories, & cholesterol.  So you become addicted to foods (because they contain sugar) that have a lot of fat, saturated fat, hydrogenated oils, & calories.

Linked to:

• Hypoglycemia
• Yest overgrowth
• Weakened immune system
• Hyperactivity
• ADD
• Enlargement of liver & kidneys
• Increase in uric acid in the blood
• Mental & emotional disorders
• Dental cavities
• Imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain
• Obesity

Sugar is big business in America.  The US is the largest supplier of sugar-laden foods in the world.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

You can find High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) in nearly everything:  juice, soda, beer, yogurt, energy bars, cookies, candies, breads, & even frozen goods.  HFCS is processed more than sugar and is even sweeter.  Like refined sugar, it has a negative, dramatic effect on our blood-sugar levels.  According to studies conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, diabetes & obesity are directly related to eating refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup.  HFCS is linked to all the same conditions as refined sugar.

Artificial Sweeteners:
Aspartame
When aspartame was put before the FDA for approval in the 70's, it was denied eight times.  Then, in 1996, despite recognizing ninety-two different symptoms that result from ingesting aspartame, the FDA approved it for use.
So many people have been sickened from aspartame that there are aspartame victim support groups.
Some of the side effects listed by the FDA:

• memory loss
• nerve cell damage
• migraines
• reproductive disorders
• mental confusion
• brain lesions
• blinedness
• joint pain
• Alzheimer's
• bloating
• nervous system disorders
• hair loss
• food cravings
• weight gain

NutraSweet and Equal contain aspartame. 

When ingested, one of aspartame's ingredients, methyl alcohol, converts into formaldehyde, a deadly neurotoxin.  In addition to aspartame, Equal contains the amino acid phenylalanine.  Phenylalanine occurs naturally in the brain.  But high levels can increase the chance of seizures and lead to depression and schizophrenia.  

Sucralose

Splenda is one of the newer sweeteners. 

Splenda is made by chlorinating sugar, changing its molecular structure.  The finished product is called sucralose.  The makers of this poison tout its lack of calories and claim its safe for diabetes.  The FDA calls sucralose 98% pure.  The other 2% contains small amounts of heavy metals, methanol, and arsenic.  Sucralose is directly linked to:

• diarrhea
• organ, genetic, immune system, & reproductive damage
• swelling of the liver and kidneys
• decrease in fetal body weight

So if you shouldn't eat or use any of these sweeteners, what can you eat?  I suggest you substitute natural, healthier alternatives for refined and artificial sweeteners.

Natural Sweeteners (Healthy options)
1.  Agave nectar or syrup. 

This high-nutrient sweetener can actually be beneficial for your health.  It doesn't contain any processing chemicals, and the raw version contains vitamins and minerals.  It can be used in place of sugar in any recipe.
2.  Stevia - derived from a plant found in Paraguay. 

The Japanese have been using this sweetener for decades, South Americans for centuries.  In fact, it is used by hundreds of millions of people around the world to balance blood sugar levels, reduce cravings for sweets, and aid in digestion.  Additionally, it is known for its antimicrobial properties (inhibits the growth of bacteria).  It contains no calories, has no glycemic index (meaning it won't alter blood sugar), and is safe for diabetics.**I found this Stevia bag in bulk at Target**
3.  Evapoated cane juice
4.  Sucanat (sugar cane natural)
5.  brown rice syrup
6.  Barley Malt syrup
7.  Turbinado sugar

8.  Raw Sugar
9.  Beet Sugar
10.  Date sugar

 **When I am sweetening with Dates, I chop them and stick them in my food processor for a minute until they're pretty ground**
11.  Maple syrup

12.  Molasses

13.  Blackstrap molasses
14.  Raw honey

All of these natural sweeteners possess one or more of the following health benefits:

• enzymes
• calcium
• iron
• potassium
• protein
• B vitamins
• magnesium
• chromium
• fiber
• folic acid
• complex carbs

I really hope this brings some light on the subject of sugar and next time you have an option, try for one of these natural sweeteners instead.  If you do have foods with artificial sweeteners, do so in moderation.