01/03/14 Sugar why this poison is bad for you

There is no nice way to put this. Sugar is bad for you. This news is probably not new to anyone reading this, but there are new studies revealing that sugar is even worse than we first thought. We know it’s bad for your teeth and your waistline.  

HIGH BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS DRIVE DIABETES

A recent study found that hyperglycaemia (high blood-sugar levels) is an independent risk factor for overall poor health.   Therefore, consuming sugar is like smoking when it comes to adversely affecting our health. One certain way to improve your overall health and wellness is to cut out all sugar in your diet. It is well established that individuals with chronically high blood-sugar levels (i.e. diabetics) have a vastly increased risk of health complications, such as eye disease, blood vessel disease and peripheral nerve damage. 

METABOLIC SYNDROME IS DRIVEN BY A HIGH SUGAR DIET

Metabolic syndrome is where someone has elevated triglycerides, high LDL (bad cholesterol), low amounts of HDL (the good cholesterol), tummy fat, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance (sugar fluctuations) and elevated blood pressure. It is associated with an increased risk of type-2 diabetes and heart disease. It was once thought that this sort of diet was caused by a high saturated fat/high cholesterol diet, yet recent evidence suggests that metabolic syndrome is caused by a high intake in sugars, and low intake of cholesterol and saturated fat.  

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN

Some individuals attempt to lose weight by substituting sugars with artificial sweeteners. This has proven to be a bad idea. Several large-scale studies have found that artificial sweetener use causes weight gain and the associated negative health effects.  In addition, studies suggest that artificial sweeteners do not help reduce weight when used alone. Conversely, knowingly ingesting aspartame was associated with increased overall energy intake, suggesting overcompensation for the expected caloric reduction. Aspartame ingestion also increased hunger in one study. Lastly, artificial sweeteners, precisely because they are many times sweeter than sugar, encourage sugar craving and sugar dependence. 

THE SWEET SOLUTION

The great news is that you don’t need to consume dangerous sugars and artificial sweeteners. There are now sugar substitutes that are actually healthy for you. Natvia, for example, contains two sweeteners that work together to give a great, natural taste. The two natural sweeteners are a herb called Stevia and a natural sweet compound found in fruit, called erythritol. These kinds of natural sweeteners can be used whenever you use sugar, in a morning coffee or even sprinkled on some fruit for dessert. Unlike sugar, which rots your teeth, a recent study found that erythritol actually reduces dental plaque build-up. 

Substituting dangerous sugars or artificial sweeteners with natural alternatives is a simple step you can take to live a happier, healthier life. Enjoy the sweet things without the guilt (and the rotting teeth!).