Sugar comes in many forms beyond the white powder we often associate it as. Some are claimed to be better than others, and some have names you wouldn’t even recognize on an ingredient label. The whole subject of sugar in the health industry is confusing!
“It’s okay in moderation.”
“Your body isn’t designed to digest sugars.”
“Sugar-free products are always healthy.”
“Artificial sweeteners are worse.”
“You need sugar for energy.”
“Sugar is addictive.”
All of these are common claims to do with sugar, opposing one another. One thing is for certain: We are consuming more sugar in our diets than we EVER have before.
Studies have shown that consuming a large amount of fructose can cause a rise in bad cholesterol (LDL), blood glucose, insulin levels, and abdominal obesity. These findings were apparent in as little as 10 weeks.
Please note that all of these factors are major risk factors in developing heart disease.
Here are some more studies linking sugar consumption with heart disease:
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/89/4/1037.short
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/106/4/523.full
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/123/3/249.short
Here are some additional readings:
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1534735404274167
Watch this great video on how sugar affects your brain to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEXBxijQREo
