SUGAR'S EFFECT ON YOUR HEALTH

The average American consumes an astounding 2-3 pounds of sugar each week, which is not surprising considering that highly refined sugars in the forms of sucrose (table sugar), dextrose (corn sugar), and high-fructose corn syrup are being processed into many foods such as bread, breakfast cereal, mayonnaise, peanut butter, ketchup, spaghetti sauce, and a plethora of microwaveable meals.

In just the last 20 years we have seen a 500% increase in the average consumption of sugar per person in the United States. And the average American consumes 30 times more sugar than they did 100 years ago when cardiovascular disease and cancer were virtually unknown.

Consuming sugar upsets the body's blood-sugar balance, triggering the release of insulin, which the body uses to keep blood-sugar at a constant and safe level. Insulin also promotes the storage of fat, so that when you eat foods high in sugar, you're making way for rapid weight gain and elevated triglyceride levels, both of which have been linked to cardiovascular disease.

It has been know for decades that vitamin C was needed by white blood cells so that they could protect the body from viruses and bacteria. It is also known that sugar dramatically interrupts vitamin C’s potency in the body. So when you eat sugar, think of your immune system slowing down to a crawl.

Also, the increased insulin production that results from the sugar you eat inhibits the release of growth hormones, which in turn also depresses the immune system.

There are 4 classes of simple sugars which are regarded as "harmful" to optimal health: Sucrose, fructose, honey, and malts.

Some of you may be surprised to find honey here. Although honey is a natural sweetener, it is considered a refined sugar. It is little wonder that the honey bear is the only animal found in nature with a problem with tooth-decay (honey decays teeth faster than table sugar). Honey has the highest calorie content of all sugars with 65 calories/tablespoon, compared to the 48 calories/tablespoon found in table sugar. The increased calories cause increased blood serum fatty acids, as well as weight gain, on top of the risk of more cavities.

So remember, honey is no better than white or brown sugar.

Here is a list of 37 ways
that eating too much sugar can hurt you:

13. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
14. Sugar can increase total cholesterol.
15. Sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs).
16. Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).
17. Sugar can interfere with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
18. Sugar can increase the risk of blood clots and strokes.

19. Sugar can lead to gum disease.
20. Sugar can promote tooth decay.

21. Sugar can lead to hypertension.
22. Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
23. Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
24. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
25. Sugar can increase the risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
26. Sugar can result in diabetes.
27. Sugar can cause gallsstones.
28. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
29. Sugar can damage the pancreas.
30. Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.
31. Sugar can cause liver disease.
32. Sugar can cause kidney disease.
33. Sugar can lead to arthritis.
34. Sugar can result in mental illness.
35. Sugar can cause asthma.

36. Sugar can contribute to hyperactivity and anxiety in children.
37. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.