It is next to impossible to walk through the grocery store and pick up a package with out sugar in it. Most factor foods are loaded with chemicals and sugar. But even if you are on a low sugar, or sugar free diet, a sugar free artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, sugar and high fructose corn syrup are bad for your body. There are many companies that are competing to for your dollar and they will try to prove that they are “all natural” and beneficial to your health, it’s important to know the facts about sugar.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are often looked at as the solution to the problem. If sugar is bad, then lets do a nin0sugar substitute. But this thinking is flawed.

Artificial sweeteners lack calories and they are advertised as the healthy alternative to sugar. But, studies have shown that consuming artificial sweeteners might make you gain weight faster than if you were consuming regular sugar.

Plus artificial sweeteners will slow your metabolism way down which can trigger you to eat more. There are three main ingredients in artificial sweeteners — saccharin, aspartame and acesulfame —all of these have been linked to cancer and other disease like Alzheimer’s disease, autism, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Aspartame is made of amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. People with a hereditary disease, should limit their intake of phenylalanine. NutraSweet and Equal are the two most popular aspartame sweeteners, but start reading labels as it can also be found in cereals, sodas and candy.

Sugar

Sugar is extremely dangerous for your health — especially when consumed in large amounts. The average American consumes too much sugar.  Refined table sugar is chemically processed and stripped of all the beneficial properties. It has been linked to numerous health ailments, including: obesity, diabetes, liver damage, and heart problems.

Natural sugars found in fruits are ok to consume in moderation. Naturally alternatives too sugars include fructose, honey and lactose.

Fructose can be found organically in fruits and vegetables, and is the best option for feeding your sugar craving. Honey is compromised of fructose, glucose and water, and offers another healthy alternative for sugar consumption.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HCFS)

HCFS is a calorie-providing sweetener found in most processed and store-bought foods. Manufacturers use HCFS to produce foods due to its low cost and role in maintaining a long shelf life. In the late 1960s, the industrial production process for HCFS was developed in Japan, and within a decade, it could be found in soft drinks and processed foods around the world.

Although there’s still further testing that needs to be done specifically on HCFS, it has been closely correlated to refined table sugar and in its effects on the body. High fructose corn syrup, like sugar, has also been linked to obesity, liver damage, diabetes, and heart problems. It also is believed to be a major cause of tooth decay, dementia and even cancer.

Knowing the facts helps you to make better choices when shopping for food.

Doctor Dr. Andrew Thompson, a Dentist in Banks, OR says, “Be sure to always check the list of ingredients so you know what sweeteners are in your food. Look for organic natural options that don’t contain artificial sweeteners or HCFS.

 

 

Latest posts by Healing Lifestyles & Spas Team (see all)