The intake of sugar has been blamed for everything, from low grades in school to diabetes. It is a fact that many people do eat a lot of sweets. But then sugar is condemned for everything.
We will see what role sugar plays in those on a fitness diet and trying to control their weight.
To put things in perspective, it is commonly believed that sugar is the cause of diabetes. But this is not true, diabetes is related to the metabolism of energy.
The body does not produce enough insulin to keep the level of glucose in the blood at its required level. Some people do not have insulin produced in their bodies, in others, the quantity of insulin is insufficient, and yet in others the insulin is not able to get into the cells to do its work. But eating sugar does not directly cause the disease.
This leads to another false notion. Those who have diabetes cannot eat sugar. Those who have diabetes take medication or insulin, and then with diet, and exercise they learn to keep their glucose at optimum levels.
Carbohydrates and sugars do have an effect to raise the level of blood glucose, but this does not mean that diabetics cannot eat these things.
They can eat them but in moderation and with adjustment of the other items in their diet. For those on a normal diet, sugar is not the main food, but a part of their diet.
All sugars, be it raw, cane, or brown, have the same effect on the body. Honey is bad for the gums and teeth because of its sticky nature, but less of it is used because of its greater sweetness.
Now for some facts about sugar. Sugar raises the level of blood just as some other food substances, like whole wheat bread, beets, pineapple, and broken wheat. Then what is the difference? The nutritional value of these substances is high, whereas sugar has no nutritional value at all.
In terms of calories, sugar has the same calorific value as other carbohydrates. But a small quantity of sugar, a teaspoon even, contains 15 calories.
There are some substances, which are low on calories and high on nutritional value, like some vegetables, and grains and these cannot be replaced by sugar, which is high on calories and low on nutritional value.
The diet will be so much the poorer. Those who eat a lot of sugar will be consuming more calories and adding to their weight.
Sugar is highly concentrated form of carbohydrate and so the calories add up very fast.
Add to that the fact that items, which are sweet, are also high in fat. The picture is not rosy. Sugar is also taken in many of the beverages. This adds to the sugar intake, which is bad for the body.
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