We are engineered to crave and desire sugar, as it is hard wired in our very DNA for a multitude of reasons. Sugars are necessary for brain function (the brain runs almost solely on glucose as fuel). Sugar rich foods such as fruits are nutrient-dense (allowing us to receive a host of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants). But it is important to differentiate between the good and the bad sweets.
Unfortunately, today there are sweeteners in almost every processed food. The majority of processed and prepared foods contain a variation of sweeteners ranging from the original refined white sugar to high fructose corn syrup to the chemically created aspartame. All harmful, they have been shown to lead to a host of conditions such as the following:
• Free radical damage which leads to massive inflammation, toxicity issues and a decreased immune response
• Decreases growth hormone (the key to staying youthful and lean)
• Feeds cancer: artificial sugars can cause cancer
• Increased cholesterol
• Weakens eyesight
• Can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children
• Can interfere with the absorption of protein
• Causes food allergies
• Contributes to diabetes
• Can contribute to eczema in children
• Can cause cardiovascular disease
• Can impair the structure of DNA
• Can cause hyperactivity, anxiety difficulty concentrating/ crankiness in children
• Contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infections
• Greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of yeast infection
• Contributes to osteoporosis
Artificial Sugars
We assume just because they do not contain calories, they are not harmful to our health. It is actually the contrary. Artificial sweeteners are made of chemicals and can actually do more damage than sugar derivatives. Health effects of artificial sugars are:
• Loss of vision
• Bladder cancer
• Shrunken thymus glands
• Enlarged livers
• Kidney Disorders
• Hearing problems
• Decreased gut flora
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Skin flushing
• Headaches
• Intestinal cramps
• Muscle aches
• Brain damage
• Infertility
• ADD
The Bad Guy List
The Ingredients to Avoid
• White Sugar
• Corn Syrup
• High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Brown Sugar
• Cane Sugar
• Heated, Conventional Honey
• Cane Juice Crystals
• Caramel
• Confection Sugar
• Crystalline Fructose
• Dextrin
• Evaporated Cane Juice
• Fruit Juice Concentrate
• Glucose
• Processed, Conventional Agave
• Granulated Sugar
• Malt Syrup
• Sucrose
• Simple Syrup
• Mannitol
Artificial Sugar Bad Guy List
Aspartame (Nutra Sweet, Equal)
Saccharin ( Sweet N Low)
Acesulfame K (Sweet One)
Sucralose ( Splenda)
Not All Sweets are Created Equal
There are actually naturally occurring sweeteners that boast nutrient-rich contents such as B vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making them actually GOOD for us! Also, natural sugars typically do not raise insulin levels like the bad guys, which make them part of any weight loss or diabetes-recovery program.
Make the right choices and keep it in moderation!
The Good Ones
Molasses
• Unheated, Unprocessed Agave
• Unheated, Raw Honey
• Grade B Maple Syrup
• Brown Rice Syrup
• Yacon
• Coconut Sugar
• Coconut Nectar
• Date Syrup
• Stevia
• Fresh Fruit!
Dr. Jin Sung is a chiropractic physician who helps his patients both neurologically and metabolically to solve complex health issues. He can be reached at 978 688-6999. Or visit his website at www.DrJinSung.com.