Some sweet facts about sugar
MANILA, Philippines - Dieting? Try sugar. Yes, the staple food ingredient we love is not only sweet and delicious, but also healthy! With only 16 calories per teaspoon, sugar can help you win the battle of the bulge. Plus, it suppresses appetite better than fat.
Nothing comes close to natural sugar than HFCS (high-fructose corn syrup), when it comes to taste and nutrition value.
HFCS, a natural sweetener from corn, is a cheaper alternative to sugar. That’s why it is commonly used in soft drinks, canned beverages, pastry, and confectionery products. But according to Archie Amarra, board member of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), “HFCS is mainly derived from corn in the United States which is genetically modified (GMO) and as such may have adverse effects on consumers’ health.”
One known effect is that people eating or drinking HFCS-laden foods are not slimming down but gaining more weight. A research published recently in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that “the increased use of HFCS in the United States mirrors the rapid increase in obesity.”
By affecting the insulin/leptin production, HFCS may cause other health problems, too. Nutrition website junkfoodnews.com explains that due to the reduced insulin and leptin in one’s body, fructose gets metabolized straight into fat and cholesterol, which may block the arteries and boost one’s heart attack risks.
The truth is, all-natural sugar has remained a safe and healthy energy source in the human diet for more than 2,000 years now. Notice that it carries no warning label, unlike sugar substitutes. Sugar is so safe, pure, chemical-free, and easily digestible that it can be used in baby food and even medications.
The US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has also busted the sugar myths: It does not cause diabetes — diabetes is a disorder of metabolism and not diet. When taken in moderation, sugar is part of a balanced diet. It also has no adverse effect on human behaviour. It does not cause mood swings or hyperactivity. Also, it does not necessarily cause tooth decay. As long as we practice proper dental hygiene, we can eat our sweets and keep our smiles.
