The bitter sweet truth about sugar

Published by Nora Draganova at 31st July 2017

Sugar and its adverse effects on health

Diet plays a crucial role in health and prevention of disease. This is why it’s important to understand what we are consuming, especially in the current fast-food culture, where we obtain the majority of our energy from processed foods.

It’s time to place the spotlight on sugar – an ingredient widely used by the food industry for color, enhancing flavor, increasing viscosity as well as a preservative, bulking agent and anticoagulant.
It is often added to fat-free products to compensate for the loss of taste and texture.

Sugar and it’s adverse effects on health

THERE ARE NO NUTRIENTS, MINERALS, VITAMINS OR FIBER IN SUGAR.

Sugar provides empty calories, meaning that our body cells are being starved of energy while the feeling of hunger is still not satisfied. As a result, we eat more than we need to, leading to weight gain and other health complications.

The infographic below summarizes sugar’s adverse health effects and what you can do to reduce your intake of added sugar.

Sugar infographic

“THE FOOD THAT YOU EAT CAN BE EITHER THE SAFEST AND MOST POWERFUL FORM OF MEDICINE OR THE SLOWEST FORM OF POISON”
– ANN WIGMORE, NUTRITIONIST

References:

1.Fat Chance, the hidden truth about sugar, obesity and disease by Dr. Robert Lusting

2. Insulin resistance and cancer: the role of insulin and IGFs –

3. Insulin and Cancer –

4. Sugars and Tooth Decay – Action on Sugar

Nora Draganova

Nora, from Bulgaria, has BSc in Food Studies and Nutrition from the University of Leeds, UK. This has greatly developed her understanding on the role of diet in the prevention and treatment of diseases and in the maintenance of optimum health. Her passion for writing and sharing useful information with others, motivated her to create The Health Philosopher blog. Her yoga journey began over 10 years ago after moving to the UK, where she regularly participated in various yoga/meditation classes and workshops. Following years of dedicated practice, and a growing passion to help other people achieve their health goals on both physical and emotional level, Nora completed Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga. Since qualifying she has taught a number of Hatha and Vinyasa yoga classes aimed at all levels. In her teaching Nora encourages growth on both physical and spiritual level, and draws inspiration from various philosophical and spiritual disciplines.