How about a sugar over load?

I would love to share some facts about sugar with you and what it can do to your body when eaten in excess. I’ll leave it up to you to decide what it is you want to do after reading it, after all its your body.

Granted, we may eat a little sugar now and again, particularly when we go out for a meal or get an invite to dinner with friends, but the key is to minimise it. After all, who doesn't like a little indulgence now and again?

Ok, the following list describes some of the metabolic consequences of ingesting a large amount of sugar (and I'm not just talking about the white powdery stuff). This list has been compiled from a number of medical journals and scientific publications. Believe me, I have greatly reduced the list but just know there are hundreds of health issues if which I have listed a few.

One last thing; this is not designed to strike fear into you or shock but just to give you an idea of just how detrimental this substance can be, particularly if you consume too much of it in the form of cakes, cookies, chocolate, pastries, fruit juice, soda’s, pasta and bread.

Sugar:

·          Speeds up the ageing process by increasing the levels of ‘free radicals’

·          Leads to weight gain and obesity by promoting excessive food intake

·          Leads to several types of cancer AND feeds cancer

·          Can lead to high cholesterol by raising triglycerides and lowering HDLs

·          Causes hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating in children

·          Interferes with the absorption of the minerals calcium and magnesium

·          Suppresses the immune system

·          Depletes minerals from the body

·          Is a major cause of alcoholism

·          Can lead to tooth decay

·          Increases the risk of bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis

·          Contributes to diabetes

·          Causes constipation and varicose veins

·          Reduces the capacity to learn

·          Is addictive!

That’s the bad news. But there is good news! Yay!

The good news is that with so many decent alternatives available you can easily avoid these health challenges. Where possible, it is always best to consume sugar in its natural form, so if you crave something sweet (like we all do), always opt for some fresh fruit or two or three pieces of dried fruit first. Every now and again, only chocolate will do. I get that!

Most, if not all of the alternatives can be used in baking, cooking, hot drinks and over cereals. Further, most of these natural sugars are low on the glycaemic index (GI) and will not disrupt blood sugar in the same way as white refined sugar.

Now that is great news...

So next time you go shopping, as well as loading up on fresh fruit why not try

some dried fruit (always choose organic), agave nectar or black strap molasses

You will avoid messing up your metabolism and stay healthy in the process.