SOME FACT ABOUT SUGAR AND HEALTH

How Does Sugar Fit Into A Healthy Diet?

The simple, irrefutable fact is this: Sugar is a healthy part of a diet. Carbohydrates, including sugar, are the preferred sources of the body’s fuel for brain power, muscle energy and every natural process that goes on in every functioning cell.

Sugar is more than a “fun” food ingredient; it’s an essential one as well. Because it’s all-natural, you can consume it with confidence. As Nature’s preferred sweetener, sugar is present not only in nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, but is also a key component in foods as diverse as whole grain breads and cereals, yogurts and tomato sauces.

With only 15 calories per teaspoon, sugar is no more fattening than any other 15 calories. Like all carbohydrates, the body converts sugar into fuel quickly. Fats, on the other hand, are stored in fat cells to be used later.
The keys to a healthy lifestyle are as much common sense as they are scientific. You should strive to maintain a diet that includes a wide variety of foods that contain a range of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fats. When it comes to consuming these foods, think moderation and choose reasonable portion sizes.

How Does The Body Use Sugar?

Sugar gives the body energy.  Actually, it is the only source of energy for the brain and red blood cells.  Each gram of sugar contains 4 calories.  Unlike complex carbohydrates, sugars are digested quickly and are easily broken down into glucose, which is then used for energy.  If a lot of sugar is eaten at one time, blood sugar levels can spike, which can increase the risk for developing diabetes.

During digestion, all carbohydrates, including sugars and starches (e.g. rice, noodles and bread) break down into single units of sugar, which, in turn, are converted to glucose. Glucose travels through the bloodstream to the body's cells to provide energy or is stored for future use. Glucose is the only nutrient that the brain and red blood cells can use for energy.

Does Sugar Make you Fat?

Weight gain results when a person regularly consumes more calories than he or she expends because almost all foods contain calories.

The energy content of food is measured in calories or kilojoules. Nutrients such as carbohydrate, protein and fat provide energy for the body. All carbohydrates, including sugars, provide 4 calories (16 kilojoules) per gram. Protein provides the same amount. Fats provide 9 calories (37 kilojoules) per gram while alcohol provides 7 calories (29 kilojoules) per gram.

A lack of exercise also plays a significant role in an individual becoming overweight. If you want to lose weight, nutritionists recommend eating fewer calories from all sources and increasing physical activity.

Does Sugar Cause Diabetes?

Diabetes is not caused by consuming carbohydrates, including sugar. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes disrupt the body’s ability to convert blood glucose (commonly referred to as blood sugar) into energy. Starches and sugars – whether originating from foods like potatoes, carrots, corn, strawberries and watermelon, or from the sugar bowl – are first metabolized to glucose to meet basic energy needs.

In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, the hormone required for transforming the glucose fuel into energy. In Type 2 diabetes, the body is unable to properly use the insulin it produces. Even today, all the causes of diabetes are not known. Genetic and lifestyle factors play important roles. Managing one’s diet, however, is very important once a person develops diabetes.

Does Sugar Cause of Obesity?

Consuming more food (calories) than needed to maintain energy balance causes overweight and obesity. If you eat more calories than you need, from any sources, weight gain is inevitable.

Does Sugar Cause Dental Healthy?

Bacteria in the mouth break down all carbohydrates – both starches and sugars. This normal process forms acids that can leach minerals from tooth enamel. Sticky snacks like raisins and other dried fruits, and starchy foods like breadsticks, cereals and potato chips, linger on teeth and prolong acid production even more than most sweets. Infants and toddlers napping with a bottle of juice are also at increased risk of cavities.

Dentists advise reducing between-meal snacks and limiting sweet or sticky foods to mealtimes. Regular brushing and flossing, using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, and regular dentist visits are the smart foundations for controlling cavities.

The reality is this: Cavities are lessened by a combination of responsible dental care; smart snacking choices – whether sugar, starches, juices, or anything else; and the time of day snacks are eaten.

Does Sugar Cause Heart Disease?

Many lifestyle and hereditary factors play a role in the development of heart disease. These include obesity, a high intake of fat (especially saturated fats), a low intake of fruits and vegetables and a lack of exercise. Sugar, however, has NOT been identified as a risk factor for heart disease.

Source: sugar.org & en.wikipedia.com/wiki/sugar