Sugar – A Sweet & Silent Killer

Sweet carvings are undoubtedly the most difficult things to give up. After trying the hardest, we still give in to this sugary sin. 

And the sad part is, due to limited knowledge, we usually connect more sweet consumption to weight gain or diabetes , which are  also one of the few adverse affects of over consumption but certainly not the only..!!! There are far dreadful and far reaching consequences of its over – indulgence.  

You can gauge its adversity from the very fact “Sweets cause cavities in teeth”… Well most of us knew this already, but what we don’t know is that the tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in our body. If sugar can penetrate them then what not? 

Know Thy Sugar

The white crystalline sugar that we usually consume is the most refined form devoid of all the vitamins, minerals , fiber and all the other useful nutrients, consequently  it  does not digest naturally. In order to metabolize sugar through the kidneys, the heart is forced to work extra hard. Also consuming high sugar content food at night makes the heart work exceptionally hard and puts your health in danger.

Its not only bottled sugar that contribute but aerated drinks have high sugar amount ( whooping 11 table spoons ). In addition to this cereals, juices, cakes, sweetmeats, cookies, chocolates, sauces, ice creams etc come loaded with dollops of sugar ( Read the contents carefully on cartons ).

On daily basis 1 – 2 tbs of sugar is easily assimilated by the system of a healthy person but what we are actually consuming is usually 10 – 12 times more which is alarming proportion.

While it is true that our bodies need sugar (glucose) since this is the only fuel the brain can use, it's important to note that a fully functioning body produces enough sugar through the natural digestion of whole, unprocessed foods. By eating healthy carbohydrates like fruits and whole grains you can give your body all of the glucose it needs without ever having to eat refined white or brown sugar.

Damage List    

If you ever thought that you are slim or non – diabetic, you could care less,Well, get ready for an eye opener….!!!   

Apart from the widely known diseases caused by over – consumption of sugar here are few which you probably didn’t knew.

1. It is either a significant or contributory cause of heart disease, arteriosclerosis, mental illness, depression, senility, hypertension, cancer.
2. Sugar can decrease growth hormone (the key to staying youthful and lean)
3. Sugar increases cholesterol
4. Sugar can weaken eyesight
5.  Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children
6. Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein
7. Sugar causes food allergies
8. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children
9. Sugar can impair the structure of DNA
10. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children
11. Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection (infectious diseases)
12. Sugar contributes to osteoporosis

Sugar is known for its addictive properties that make breaking the habit as hard as withdrawing from some narcotics. 

Natural Alternatives & Healthy Eating Habits

Know that Sugar is not “food” and should not be ingested in high quantities. We are already getting it from so many hidden sources that bottled sugar should be given – up completely but since it is a habit former and 95% of us are already addicted, gradually cutting it down is surely good enough.

Here are few things which can be done

1. You can replace the regular table sugar with Jaggery.  It is noteworthy that one teaspoon of jaggery contains approximately 4-5 mg calcium, 2-3 mg phosphorus, 8 mg magnesium, 48 mg potassium, 0.5 mg iron, as well as trace amounts of zinc, copper, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. The corresponding values for refined white sugar are essentially nil nevertheless quantity consumed has to be kept in check.
2. Second alternative is Honey. Made by honeybees from the flower source can also replace the worthless sugar.
3. Add more and more fruits, un-processed carbohydrates in your diet cutting the sugar requirement gradually there by laying it off completely.
4. Check the contents before buying, go for sugar free drinks.
5.  Exercise daily to burn off those extras.

How sweet it may taste, but know it is still a poison, human body is a marvel of nature and a great gift from God, don’t spoil it by unhealthy eating habits. Eat balanced, Stay healthy.