If Food is Medicine, Refined Sugar is an Overdose!

Sugar was first used by Polynesian seamen chewing on sugar cane stalks for an energy boost during their explorations of Southeast Asia about 3500 years ago.  India developed the process of converting the juice to crystal form about 2500 years ago.  In the 15^th century in response to Europe’s intense craving for the addictive substance, the Portuguese, planted huge plantations to grow sugarcane; thus giving rise to the Atlantic slave trade.

Refined sugar is a simple carbohydrate (extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets) with NO nutritional value, and when eaten gives a “short-term” boost of energy.  The body does not need refined sugar. Currently, it is the 3^rd leading crop in the world and the number 1 problem in today’s diets with the average American consuming anywhere from a ¼ – ½ lb. per day. There are 0 grams of protein, vitamins, and minerals in refined sugar which while wreaking havoc on our liver, kidneys, heart, and pancreas uses our body’s stored B-vitamins, calcium and magnesium for their digestion to our detriment.  Today, refined sugar is the driving force behind the obesity, dementia, heart disease and diabetes epidemics.

The Harmful Effects of Sugar

– Suppresses the immune system

– Contributes to weight gain and obesity

– Increases the risk of Fatty Liver Disease

– Causes headaches, including migraines

– Contributes to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, and concentration difficulties

– Causes premature aging, wrinkles, and grey hair

– Causes tooth decay

– Raises harmful cholesterol

– Contributes to diabetes

– Increases the risk of breast, colon and prostate cancer

Medical experts recommend in order to reduce sugar consumption to first recognize that sugar stimulates brain pathways of pleasure, potentially developing a continuous craving for it.  A better approach to a refined sugar-free diet is to consume whole natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy because they produce natural sugars and include nutrients and fiber that help stabilize blood sugar levels and metabolism; as these foods travel from the stomach to the gut they expand generating a feeling of fullness.  The American Heart Association recommends that women consume less than 6 teaspoons of sugar daily and men less than 9 teaspoons.

A history of sugar – the food nobody needs but everyone craves.docx®

®Sugar Season. It’s Everywhere, and it’s Addictive.docx