Oh
How Sweet It Is... Some thoughts
on refined sugar and how it impacts your health Most people know they should stay away from refined
"anything", including sugar. What makes this slightly more challenging
is that sugar is in nearly all processed foods. It may not be listed as
"sugar" on the list of ingredients, but in its various forms - make no
mistake, it's there. Maltodextrin, dextrose...you get the idea. Other
than raising the calorie count and causing a spike in blood sugar, did
you know there are at least 78 reasons why sugar can be detrimental to
your body? I won't give you all 78 reasons...a few of them should be
enough to make you reconsider your sugar intake and look at your foods
to consider sugar sources in "disguise". These points come
from a variety of medical journals and scientific publications as well
as lectures form Natural Gourmet Institute:
Sugar can depress the immune system. If you are feeling under the
weather, stay clear of sugar for sure.
It takes approximately 32 glasses of water to flush out sugar and
toxins from one can of soda. Is anyone really drinking soda anymore??
Hopefully we all know better...
Sugar cause insulin production, when you have high levels of
insulin, it can lower your HDL (the good cholesterol) which can lead to
heart disease.
Sugar creates an acidic environment in your body. Acidity is linked to inflamation-related conditions like arthritis and a host of other problems.
Your body produces macrophages which essentially scout out toxins and clean them up - which is a good thing. Sugar decreases production of macrophages so your system's ability to rid itself of toxins is diminished...and that's a bad thing!
Some factors that make sugar's influence on your body more rapid; if the food is low in fiber, in a liquid form, is low-fat/fat-free or low in protein.
Sugar can be a risk factor in cancer. Sugar feeds cancer cells.
Sugar can suppress the immune system. When you feel like you are fighting something off or beginning to get sick, lay off the sugar so your body can try to fight the virus or bug.
Sugar can increase total cholesterol.
If you stay away from processed foods (in case you needed another reason!) you will likely avoid the unknown sugars you are likely adding to your body every day.
Instead of reaching for processed food because it's easy - and you think it will satisfy a craving, look for nutrient-dense food. Also consider meals that contain a variety of foods, tastes and textures.