Harmful effects of Sugar and its alternatives

“…Eat honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste…” Proverbs 24:13 KJV

Sugar is a general term for a class of molecules that we know as carbohydrates such as glucose, fructose, sucrose, dextrose, and even honey.

Because sugar is found in many grocery items there are common questions asked such as, “Is sugar good for me?” “How much sugar should I eat,” or “should I eat any sugar at all?”

Reasons to avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup

“Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats…”Prov 23:6 KJV

High Fructose Corn Syrup is linked to:

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Fatty Liver

• Disrupts Metabolic Function

There are various names for HFCS:

• Corn syrup

• Corn sweetener

• Corn syrup solid

Refined White Sugar

•No nutritional value, besides “empty” calories.

•Because of this, it leaches the body of minerals like calcium to rectify for it’s lack of nutrition, which leads to decayed teeth and weakened bones.

•“…Believe it or not, sugar is often filtered through charred animal bones as part of the bleaching process. You can avoid this by looking for unbleached sugar products or ones that are labeled ‘vegan.” [1]

Sugar’s affect on the body:

“Over time, because the calories from sugar aren’t as fulfilling, this can translate into an increased calorie intake.”

• Due to the lack of satiety when eating sugar, obesity is a common result of sugar addiction.

• Excess sugar has similar effects to the liver as does alcohol because both can lead to fatty liver disease.. [2]

Sugar’s affect on the brain:

Sugar triggers the natural reward system in the brain called dopamine. As dopamine is released it induces an euphoric feeling . Overtime, one can become addicted to sugar in order to maintain a sugar rush.

Likewise, sugar is similar to cocaine and the effects it has on the mind.

How much added sugar should I consume daily?

• Men: 9 teaspoons

• Women: 6 teaspoon

• NOTICE: It’s recommended to make checking the ingredients list a habit.

• “Ingredients are listed by quantity, from highest to lowest.” [3]

Natural Sweetener Alternatives

• Honey

• Fresh Fruit

• Dried Fruit

• Agave Nectar

• Maple Syrup

• Blackstrap Molasses

• Brown Rice Syrup

• Stevia

[1] http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/healthy-eating/special-diets/vegan

[2] https://authoritynutrition.com/10-disturbing-reasons-why-sugar-is-bad/

[3] https://authoritynutrition.com/how-much-sugar-per-day/https://authoritynutrition.com/how-to-read-food-labels/