by Megan Furner

Created on: January 24, 2012

Many of us feed on sugar to satisfy cravings for sweet, delicious treats, which in moderation, are ostensibly harmless to our health. However, a large body of scientific evidence supports the consumption of refined sugars is deleterious to the human body.  These sugars include sucrose, which is commonly known as table sugar, dextrose, and high fructose corn syrup.  Their use as sweeteners extends beyond the scope of soda, candy, and typical “junk” foods.  In fact, many of these sugars are found in staple food items such as cereals, peanut butter, frozen dinners, and shockingly, bread.

Over time, increased consumption of sugary foods can lead to weight gain, and eventually obesity.  Refined sugar offers virtually zero nutritive benefits—it lacks essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.  Thus, the metabolism of sugar relies upon the body’s stored mineral supply.   This action not only depletes the body’s mineral storage, but impairs the metabolism of cholesterol.  As a result, triglycerides flood the body’s systemic circulation, eventually leading to the accumulation of extra fat.

Perhaps more consequential to our health is sugar’s relation to cancer development.  Several studies have indicated that refined sugar is a well-known fertilizer for various cancers. Furthermore, evidence supports that cancer often develops in areas of the body where sugar is metabolized. What's more, low-calorie artificial sweeteners such as aspartame are believed to enhance this effect, rendering them a worse alternative to refined sugar.

The link between cancer and sugar consumption is quite complex, but it is sufficient to say that sugar depresses the body’s immune system.  Structurally, sugars resemble vitamin C, a nutrient essential for an active and well-functioning immune system.  When the amount of circulating sugar is high, sugar and vitamin C compete for entry into cells.  Often sugar succeeds in making its way into the body’s cells, leaving the remaining vitamin C in the bloodstream.  Without access into the cellular machinery, vitamin C is unable to exert its protective benefits on the body, and the immune system becomes less potent as a result.  

Additionally, a host of other diseases have been shown to be exacerbated with increased consumption of sugar.  Those afflicted with asthma, cardiovascular disorders, and arthritis rarely find improvement in their condition by eating a diet rich in processed sugars.  Furthermore, consuming large amounts of sugar raises the body’s glycemic index, causing the release of large amounts of insulin.  If unregulated, this can lead to type two diabetes.

Overall, the consumption of refined sugars poses serious health consequences.  Even in moderation, sugar has no redeeming nutritional value.  In order to satisfy cravings for sweet foods, it is best to cook with natural alternatives. Eliminating sugar from our diet, in combination with exercise and wholesome choices, is the prescription for a healthy lifestyle.

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