How Refined Sugar Destroys Health

Refined sugar comes to us with a variety of names - sucrose, dextrose, table sugar, powdered sugar, and high fructose corn syrup just to name a few.

Its been heard to limit your intake of refined sugar, but do you know why? Refined sugar is directly associated with the onset of diseases and illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, heart conditions, high cholesterol, cancer, and other chronic diseases. The American Diabetic Association has listed sugar as one of the top three contributors to degenerative diseases.

Continued consumption of refined sugar also can lower the immune system and make one more susceptible to infections and illnesses. The body cannot metabolize refined sugar. It is harmful, addictive, and yet so plentiful in our society. It’s sold in vending machines, hospitals, work sites, and schools. There is sugar at every gas station, grocery store, concession stand, and convenience store. And yet, to avoid eating anything with refined sugar as an ingredient could easily be one of the best ways to regain control over your health. It’s just plain bad for you.

What is Refined Sugar?

So, just what makes up refined sugar? Refined sugar is made from a processed blended mixture of sugar cane and sugar beets. This blend is handled to the point that it contains no nutritional value at all. Refined sugar is typically sold as table sugar and powdered sugar. This sweet mixture is added to most all man-made and processed foods on the market today.

You find it in packaged foods such as cereals, milk, snack foods, microwavable foods, frozen foods, breads, canned goods, and all condiments. It’s also found in drinks such as soda, fruit juices, and flavored water. Refined sugar (in another name) is also listed as one of the top three ingredients in fat-free and low-fat food items.

There are many ways in which sugar affects health. When large amounts of sugar are consumed, the blood sugar rises. As a result, the body produces more insulin than normal to lower the elevated blood sugar level. Increased levels of insulin cause feelings of hunger. The end result is craving additional foods and drinks that contain sugar. Therefore, the more that is eaten, the more that is wanted. This is a vicious cycle that becomes very addictive – emotionally and physically.

When too much sugar has been consumed for any length of time, it causes inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the number one cause of many physical and psychological disorders and diseases. This includes depression, higher triglyceride levels, mineral depletion in the body, speeding up the aging process, and altering the brain waves to the point that it can alter the ability to think clearly.

How can something this damaging be so readily accessible? Well, it is a matter of economics. The more food one eats that contains sugar, the more food is bought to satisfy cravings. This keeps the food manufacturers with plenty of business and reaping high profits! The best solution for us to stay healthy is to avoid eating too much refined sugar. To do this, eliminate or at least limit man-made, processed, and pre-packaged foods. To address those cravings for sweets, rely on what nature has provided us – good ol' fresh fruit.