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
affordable house cleaning Lincolnshire ..Salt was used long before recorded history began. One of... Read More
Proper hydration is extremely important during exercise. Adequate fluid intake... Read More
THE RISKThe primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to... Read More
With the array of different diets and diet foods available... Read More
Scandinavian fishermen are a healthy bunch. It had long been... Read More
Most red and white meats are very fatty and are... Read More
It is always amazing to me when I find a... Read More
The above foods contain high antioxidant capacity. These foods were... Read More
Essential fatty acids are the number one recommendation for anyone... Read More
Omega-3 appear to reduce the risk of heart attack. A... Read More
Have you ever thought about where your drinking water comes... Read More
Established in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, "Foundation for Innovation in... Read More
(Part 1 of a Special 5 Part Series on Body... Read More
When was the last time you consumed soda? Most likely,... Read More
Media coverage of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has incited... Read More
This free list of fat burning foods will help you... Read More
The importance of protein in diet has been clearly established... Read More
Do you know anyone who can't consume milk or milk-based... Read More
Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant... Read More
With so much 'diet advice' around today it is little... Read More
In a new study published by the American Heart Association,... Read More
Coke, more commonly known as cocaine is a highly addictive... Read More
In health circles there has been much recent talk about... Read More
ABC News has recently focused on the possible anti-aging benefits... Read More
The importance of protein in a healthy diet is well... Read More
weekly home cleaning Mundelein ..Most people understand that it is wise to limit the... Read More
If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis,... Read More
With so much 'diet advice' around today it is little... Read More
With so many people concerned about natural and organic foods... Read More
With so much 'diet advice' around today it is little... Read More
DIETARY SOURCES OF GLUTATHIONE: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant and... Read More
Can the colors on your plate tell you what health... Read More
Okay, before we start, let me explain the purpose of... Read More
The nutritional support in critically ill patients can be explained... Read More
I had finally come to a place in my life... Read More
Most recipes end with instructions to "serve immediately." You could... Read More
An American culture that is marked by a chronic lack... Read More
Do you notice your child putting off going to the... Read More
I don't understand people sometimes. You know, there is a... Read More
Cholesterol finds its way into our bodies in two main... Read More
Looking into statistics, we can see the average American consumes... Read More
How many magazines have you read where they tell you... Read More
The first place that we cut corners when we are... Read More
Last year I had a number of clients who started... Read More
It is shocking how many people are not taking advantage... Read More
Dieters who dejectedly complain they are figuratively "stuck" with their... Read More
I spent a few days at a resort in Mexico... Read More
Have you ever watched someone who appears thin and healthy... Read More
East Meets WestAsian cultures have realized the medical benefits of... Read More
I want to tell you about the most healthful and... Read More
Nutrition |