There is no question that refined sugar is one of the main culprits in our diets and the precursor behind numerous illness and diseases. While this is not breaking news I wanted to provide you with some visual images of just how much sugar can be found in soft drinks, candies, cookies, fruit juices, and energy drinks. Finally, I’ll show you some natural alternatives to help you kick the sugar habit for good.
Here are just a few reasons why you should avoid all refined sugar.
* Sugar can decrease growth hormone (powerful fat burning and anti-aging hormone)
* Sugar feeds cancer
* Sugar increases cholesterol
* Sugar can weaken eyesight
* Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein
* Sugar causes food allergies
* Sugar contributes to diabetes
* Sugar can contribute to eczema in children
* Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease
* Sugar can impair the structure of DNA
* Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and mood disorders in children
* Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection (infectious diseases)
* Sugar greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections)
* Sugar contributes to osteoporosis
Here are a few examples of just how much sugar you’ll find in some products.
Sugar In Sodas
Sugar In Fruit Juices
Sugar In Cookies
Sugar In Candy
When a person is in metabolic balance they do not crave sugar. If they do, it is a sign of a metabolic imbalance and it can be corrected without having to consume sugar.
You do not have to give up the sweetness of sugar in order to be healthy. The solution is to simply replace it with better alternatives. There are two natural, organic sugar alternatives that I’d recommend: Stevia and Xylitol.
Stevia is an herb that has been used as a sweetener in South America for hundreds of years. This is a great alternative to artificial sweeteners because it has no impact on the production of insulin (fat storing hormone). Stevia, in its powdered concentrate, is 300 times sweeter than sugar, so only tiny amounts are needed for sweetening.
Stevia can taste a little bitter in drinks and in some recipes, but this can be overcome by using Xylitol, in combination with Stevia for ideal sugar replacement.
Xylitol is a natural substance found in fibrous vegetables and fruit, as well as in corn cobs and various hardwood trees. Xylitol is so natural that our bodies produce up to 15 grams of it daily during normal metabolism. Xylitol has been known to organic chemistry since the 1890′s. Studies on both humans and rodents have shown that Xylitol, when administered orally, is well tolerated and safe to levels of at least 40g per day (which equates to some 10-12 teaspoons of sugar) with no subjective or objective adverse findings.
Xylitol looks, feels and tastes exactly like sugar – though that is where the similarity ends! While sugar wreaks havoc on the body, Xylitol heals and repairs. It also builds immunity.
Benefits of using xylitol as a sugar substitute
* Glycemic index of 7 (sucrose is 60)
* Minimal effect on blood sugar and insulin levels
* Inhibits yeast, including Candida Albicans
* Inhibits plaque and dental cavities by 80%
* Retards demineralization, and promotes re-mineralization, of tooth enamel
So there you have it. You know I’m always on the stump preaching about the adverse effects of processed sugar and hopefully this wasn’t just another rant. Try the natural alternatives of Stevia and Xylitol for your sweentener needs. Your body will thank you.
Shane Doll is a certified Charleston Personal Trainer, fat loss expert, speaker, and founder of Shaping Concepts Personal Training Studios. You can receive a FREE no-obligations trial of his Charleston Personal Training Programs and experience the Shaping Concepts difference for yourself.
Posted:
Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 10:00 am
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Category:
Nutrition.
