The problem with sugar is that it doesn't contain any nutrients so when you consume too much you crowd out room for healthier foods. In fact, it is estimated that on average, Americans consume over 200 pounds of refined sugar annually. On the other side of the coin you have artificial sweeteners which are getting more negative press as adverse health effects begin to emerge.
What's the big deal? Well, decades ago it was found that some artificial sweeteners may cause cancer and were taken out of products and off the shelves. Next, enter the next latest and greatest. The FDA said it was the recommended alternative and put it in all sugar free products. It wasn't very long before women in particular started having negative side effects as a result of ingesting it in their usual products. Later it was discovered that due to a chemical reaction in the body, it can act as a neurotoxin (one that affects the brain and nervous system). It is now speculated to mimic symptoms of Alzheimers, MS, Parkinsons and a host of other neurological diseases. While it hasn't been taken off the market, there is yet another contender.
It's claim to fame is that it is a healthy alternative to other artificial sweeteners because it is made from sugar. Yes, it is manufactured from sugar molecules but in order for it to be converted, labs have to use a process whereby they chlorinate it. Hello, I said chlorinate! We know chlorine is a known carcinogen and shouldn't be consumed in any amount. Since it has only been on the market for a short time, there is no way of knowing whether it will cause harmful side effects. If history is any indication, I wouldn't be so quick to be the guinea pig for such a study. I'll admit, it is confusing even for those of us in the health profession. There is so much conflicting information being bombarded on us all the time that it is just too difficult to keep up on all the latest information.
What about sugar alcohol? Sugar alcohol usually ends in "tol" on labels. These can be an acceptable alternative in very small amounts as they do not affect blood sugar as much as the real thing, but too much can cause gastric distress, bloating, cramps and diarrhea. You will find sugar alcohol in many of the low carb candies and chocolates on the market as well as products made for diabetics. This is one time when portion size really needs to be adhered to as not paying attention could cause some not so pleasant side effects. Your best bet is to minimize refined sugar rather than substitute it with anything artificial.
Health tip: Try using fruit juice or Stevia to sweeten things instead. In fact, applesauce is a great substitute for sugar and oil in baked goods.
Corie Goodson is a health educator and speaker, freelance writer and author of the book Tween Kwisine: A Road To Better Health. For more information log onto: http://www.happydogpublications.com
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..With all the news about Splenda of late and the... Read More
Cholesterol is an essential building block of every cell in... Read More
What is Cholesterol?Before we go into how to reduce your... Read More
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin like A and E.... Read More
In this newsletter we will discuss the current controversy about... Read More
The topic of food additives is not quickly addressed in... Read More
"It's not what you eat, it's what's eating you that... Read More
It is ironic how something as obvious as nutrition has... Read More
Water is a vitally important component of any valuable and... Read More
If you do not take time to stand back at... Read More
You can trust me that I make sure to take... Read More
The reason I remember the first time I was served... Read More
Apart from eating many of the wonderful vegetables and fruits... Read More
You may have noticed an ever-expanding choice of oils at... Read More
The factors that affect the nutritional requirements of an individual... Read More
Have you ever watched someone who appears thin and healthy... Read More
America's major dietary deficiency - EFA a panacea for good... Read More
The importance of protein in diet has been clearly established... Read More
Whenever possible, we should try to get our antioxidants and... Read More
Acid Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a common disease which... Read More
This free list of fat burning foods will help you... Read More
Endurance Sports are like music concerts. They start at a... Read More
The sugar industry and the food manufacturers are capitalizing BIG... Read More
Get back to the basics - eat fresh at home... Read More
Do you know your ph? By getting ph strips at... Read More
residential cleaning services Deerfield ..Do you know anyone who can't consume milk or milk-based... Read More
There are a number of common food mistakes that costs... Read More
Organic farming is the production of food using all natural... Read More
How well do you know about vitamin K? This vitamin... Read More
Information on potassiumWhen you read about potassium and senate document... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Can the colors on your plate tell you what health... Read More
It slows ageing, promotes healthy vision, has anti-cancer properties, increases... Read More
You can start today - right now, even - on... Read More
Originally, all foods were "organic" ? grown and prepared without... Read More
They're not only good for you, but they taste good,... Read More
Modern life can be stressful. There are so many concerns... Read More
Mannatech's patent-pending glyconutrients complex, Ambrotose, is perhaps the greatest wellness... Read More
It's really hard to believe that something could be worse... Read More
Sugar intake is a real concern for people who've had... Read More
I read a lot about the topics of health and... Read More
The Human Body is in a constant flux with the... Read More
You may have noticed an ever-expanding choice of oils at... Read More
Chances are you may have had a food product that... Read More
(Part 1 of a Special 5 Part Series on Body... Read More
In parts 1-4 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
New studies bring to our attention that high levels of... Read More
Your fiber intake is a critical factor in weight loss... Read More
Some fats are good for you. Your body can't function... Read More
Many people avoid avocados thinking them to be fattening, but... Read More
Nutrition |