Healthchat

Conversations about optimal health.


Throwing Out Sugar

Yesterday “Sugar is Toxic to the Human Body” was a headline on the radio news.  The University of California, I think, has been researching the effect of the typical, American, high sugar diet on human bodies and they are recommending that the government forces us to throw out sugar. 

     First of all, research is usually inaccurately portrayed by the mainstream news organizations.  They will sensationalize anything to sell their product.  Secondly,  we all know that refined sugar, and fructose and honey are all metabolized in the body the same way and our brains need sugar or we pass out.

What do they mean by the word “toxic”?  I have no idea, but we already have guidelines for healthy consumption of sugar.  The American Diabetes Association recommends three servings of whole fruit (not juice) per day and  this is enough simple sugar for your body to thrive.  Simple sugars release into the bloodstream fairly quickly.   The ADA also recommends complex carbohydrates made from whole grains with increased fiber which cause slower absorption of sugar preventing your pancreas from working overtime. And, dentists are dead set against consuming candy, sugary soft drinks and sugared gum because they destroy your teeth.

So, where does that leave us health conscious humans in a semi-free society?  Whether it is toxic or not, it’s a healthy decision to throw out the sugar bowl, the white flour, candy, sodas and the orange juice.  Replace them with a natural sweetener like Stevia, whole grain flours and real fruit containing fiber.  It is amazing how sweet fresh pineapple tastes after only a week of cutting out the sugar.  For you rebooters, incorporate more vegetables into your juices, try three veggies to one fruit.  Although change is hard, just think of it as taking responsibility for your own health by throwing out the refined sugar before the government does it for you.

Advertisement