Americans consume two to three pounds of sugar each week. Sugar is processed in so many foods we eat. These foods are not just sweets. Sugar in large amounts can be found in peanut butter, mayonnaise, bread, ketchup, and many other categorically “not sweet” products.
Now we come to the question: Why is Refined Sugar bad for you?
Refined sugar is bad because it raises the level of insulin in the blood.
High levels of insulin in the blood depress the immune system. If your immune system is depressed, then your ability to fight disease is weakened.
High levels of insulin in the blood can cause weight gain. Insulin promotes fat storage; therefore, when you eat foods that are high in refined sugar, you increase fat storage. Obviously, the result is rapid weight gain.
Refined Sugar does not contain vitamins or minerals, so for sugar to be metabolized, it must use the body’s reserve of vitamins and minerals. When these stores are depleted, the metabolism of cholesterol and fatty acids is impeded, contributing to an increase in blood serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and promoting obesity due to increased storage of fatty acids around the organs.
In summary, here are ways that refined sugar can affect your health: o Sugar can suppress the immune system. o Sugar can upset the mineral balance of the body. o Sugar can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, and moodiness in children. o Sugar can cause a significant increase in triglycerides. o Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children. o Sugar can lower useful high-density cholesterol (HDL). o Sugar can promote a rise in harmful cholesterol (LDL). o Sugar can cause hypoglycemia. o Sugar contributes to weakening the defenses against bacterial infections. o Sugar can cause kidney damage. o Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease. o Sugar can lead to a chromium deficiency. o Sugar can cause copper deficiency. o Sugar interferes with the absorption of calcium and magnesium. o Sugar can increase fasting blood glucose levels. o Sugar can promote tooth decay. o Sugar can cause heartburn. o Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children. o Sugar can lead to periodontal disease. o Sugar can accelerate the aging process, causing wrinkles and gray hair. o Sugar can increase total cholesterol. o Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity. o High sugar intake increases the risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. o Sugar can contribute to diabetes. o Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis. o Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity. o Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance. o Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease. o Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure. o Sugar causes food allergies. o Sugar can cause the formation of free radicals in the bloodstream. o Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy. o Sugar can contribute to eczema in children. o Sugar can overload the pancreas and cause damage. o Sugar can cause atherosclerosis. o Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries. o Sugar can cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver. o Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver. o Sugar can increase the size of the kidney and cause pathological changes in the kidney. o Sugar can cause depression. o Sugar can increase the body’s fluid retention. o Sugar can cause a hormonal imbalance. o Sugar can cause high blood pressure. o Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines. o Sugar can cause an increase in delat, alpha, and theta brain waves, which can alter the mind’s ability to think clearly. o Sugar can increase the stickiness of blood platelets, which increases the risk of blood clots and strokes. o Sugar may increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar diets compared to low-sugar diets. o Sugar increases bacterial fermentation in the colon.
Bullet list source: http://www.nancyappleton.com