You always hear that sugar is bad and when it comes to weight loss (and health) it's the number one thing you hear about. But do you know why? As you read in my previous article on tips for weight loss, the very first tip (and thing I have my clients give up) is added sugar. Here are the top 9 reasons why you should give up sugar for health and weight loss. Don't believe me? Read the book Pure, White, and Deadly.
1. Added sugar contains no essential nutrients
There is some evidence that we need SOME small amount of sugar. However, scientists can’t find any nutritional value and the amounts we get from carbs (which converts to sugar) and everyday food more than cover that amount. Did you know that your body actually creates glucose (sugar)? So we need to stop eating things that contain added sugar.
2. Sugar overloads your liver
Sugar is made up of 2 simple sugars. Glucose, found in every living cell on the planet and our bodies produce it, and Fructose, which our bodies do not produce nor need. Without getting too scientific, fructose can only be handled by the liver. Having too much overloads the liver which is essential for the proper handling of toxins in our bodies. Eating too much sugar creates fructose overload in the liver. The liver gets backed up and causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
NOTE: Fruit is fine because it has built-in protections like fiber, just don’t overdo it with the sugary fruits like citrus and grapes.
3. Sugar causes inflammation and cancer
Sugar causes inflammation in our cells which in turn causes diseases such as cancer and many other diseases. Are you getting the picture yet?
4. Sugar causes insulin resistance and obesity
As discussed in our main program handout, insulin resistance causes fat storage. It also is the main stepping stone to many diseases including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cancer. It’s the leading cause of obesity in children and adults.
5. Sugar causes inflammation and cancer
Sugar causes inflammation in our cells which in turn causes diseases such as cancer and many other diseases. Are you getting the picture yet?
6. Sugar affects our brains
Sugar is now known to be a cause of Alzheimer’s. Sugar also affects our hormones that control our appetite by causing the satiety centers of our brain to act differently and keep us hungry so we eat more.
7. Sugar causes dopamine release, so is highly addictive
Like addictive and abusive drugs, sugar releases dopamine in the reward center in our brains. This is what keeps us addicted to Oreos. This is also why “moderation” doesn’t work with sugar. Abstinence is key and it can take 2-4 weeks to remove your addiction to sugar.
8. Sugar raises cholesterol & promotes heart disease
We used to think that eating cholesterol and fat caused cholesterol and heart disease. Studies now show that it is the sugar and carbs that cause those things.
9. Sugar is bad for your teeth
We all remember that old saying that dentists love Halloween because of all the cavities it causes. Well, it’s all true (not that dentists love us getting cavities, though I think mine actually did), sugar is horrible for your teeth.
SUGAR: IT’S BAD AND ADDICTIVE; STAY AWAY
Names for Sugar – Stay Away From These:
So now you know sugar is bad for you! It’s in MOST pre-made foods and condiments. But sometimes it is hidden. I’ve created this list of ways companies “hide” sugar in their products by using multiple types of sugar. Combined they would be the number one ingredient or at least higher in the ingredients list. By using various types, it allows them to put those ingredients further down on the list. It’s still toxic sugar. Stay away from these.
This isn’t an exhaustive list. Look for anything ending in OSE or has DEX in the name. Still, they are finding new names for sugar constantly.
- Barley Malt
- Beet Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Buttered Syrup
- Cane Juice Crystals
- Cane Sugar
- Caramel Carob Syrup
- Corn Syrup Solids
- Date Sugar
- Dehydrated Cane Juice
- Dextran
- Dextrose
- Diastase
- Ethyl Maltol
- Fructose
- Fruit Juice and Fruit Juice Concentrate
- Glucose
- Glucose Solids
- Golden Sugar
- Grape Sugar
- High Fructose Corn syrup
- Honey Invert Sugar
- Lactose
- Malt Syrup
- Maltodextrin
- Maltose
- Mannitol
- Molasses
- Raw Sugar
- Refiner’s Syrup
- Sorbitol
- Sorghum Syrup
- Sucanat
- Sucrose
- Sugar
- Turbinado Sugar
- Xylitol
Copyright (c) 2019 John Vercelletto and Sensei of Wellness