Mind that sweet stuff

More research out this month on the dangers of consuming too much sugar which may contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. A recent Yale University study suggests that the fall in blood sugar levels often seen after eating ‘bad carbohydrates’ such as cakes and biscuits affects the part of the brain controlling impulse. This loss of self-control worsens the cycle as you then tend to crave sugary, processed foods. In this way flucuating sugar levels creates a sugar addiction.  More concern too that many low fat, processed products contain very high levels of the fruit sugar fructose and may increase the risk of rectal cancer according to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Of special concern is high fructose corn syrup added to many processed products as a sweetener. The problem is processing removes the healthy fibre, vitamin C and other antioxidants which are important to health. Furthermore, fructose can place a greater load on the liver which increases the amount of liver and abdominal fat increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.

As always, limit your processed foods and move away from low fat options and increase the good fats in your diet. Control your blood sugar levels.

Kevin, 9 November 2011