Is sugar really that bad?
Research has shown that many diseases are directly linked to food excess, deficiency and imbalance.
But ask yourself honestly: are you educated enough about what you eat? Most probably the answer is NO!
In the last 20 years, sugar consumption has increased dramatically. In the U.S. consumption increased from 26 pounds to 135 lbs. of sugar per person per year! Prior to the turn of this century (1887-1890), the average consumption was only 5 lbs. per person per year!
And the weird part is that cardiovascular disease and cancer were virtually unknown in the early 1900's.
Sugar is actually devoid of all nutrients, vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. It is also missing the water, so consuming sugar will make you actually thirsty.
Fatigue, swollen eyes, hyperactivity (especially in children), high levels of blood sugar, all are the consequences of consumption of many products that fill the shelfs of our markets and stores.
But what happens in our bodies when we eat it?
Sugar, once in the bloodstream, upsets the body's blood-sugar balance, triggering the release of insulin, which the body uses to keep blood-sugar at a constant and safe level. Insulin also promotes the storage of fat, so that when you eat sweets high in sugar, you're making way for rapid weight gain and elevated triglyceride levels, both of which have been linked to cardiovascular disease.
But complex carbohydrates (Wholegrain bread, Brown rice...) tends to be absorbed more slowly, lessening the impact on blood-sugar levels.
We know that glucose and vitamin C have similar chemical structures, so what happens when the sugar levels go up?
They compete for one another upon entering the cells. And the thing that mediates the entry of glucose into the cells is the same thing that mediates the entry of vitamin C into the cells.
If there is more glucose around, there is going to be less vitamin C allowed into the cell. It doesn't take much: a blood sugar value of 120 reduces the phagocytic index by 75%. So when you eat sugar, think of your immune system slowing down to a crawl.
So how does sugar effect our body ?
We believe in practicing moderation on consumption of addictive stimulants, but do you really know why you need to avoid large amounts of sugar?
Sugar can suppress the immune system and upset the body's mineral balance.
Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, drowsiness, concentration difficulties, raise adrenaline levels, decreased activity and crankiness in children.
Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection and can cause kidney damage.
Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs) and reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs). It may lead to chromium and copper deficiency. It interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
Sugar may lead to cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, colon, gall bladder and rectum.
Sugar can weaken eyesight, because it raises the level of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which can narrow blood vessels and can cause hypoglycemia as well as produce an acidic stomach.
Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, it can speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and gray hair. It promotes tooth decay and contributes to weight gain and obesity.
High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It can cause a raw, inflamed intestinal tract in persons with gastric or duodenal ulcers, cause arthritis and asthma, candida (yeast infection) and even appendicitis.
Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure as well as change the structure of protein causing interference with protein absorption. There are many more serious negative effects of sugar on the body, such as promotion of Alzheimer Disease and exacerbation of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
So by decreasing sugar in your diet not only will you prevent health problems, but you will increase your longevity and improve your mood and levels of joy & happiness.
