Sugar is a sweet substance which naturally occurs in food.  However, sugar as most of us know it, is either on the table in packets and jars or an added substance to processed, packaged food.  Millions of Americans eat processed foods every day.  The added sugar in processed foods is the main contributor of obesity and diabetes.  Unused sugar turns into fat.  So it’s easy to understand that when we consume excess sugar and it has nowhere to go, it converts to fatty tissue which causes weight gain.

The United States is the largest consumer of sweeteners and one of the largest global sugar importers.  The United States is also highest in the world with diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The
average American now consumes more than 100 pounds of sugar and sweeteners each year. Compare that with Americans consume an average of 8 pounds of broccoli a year.

The USDA recommendation is no more than 10 teaspoons per day (most Americans eat three times that amount). Sugar is a simple carbohydrate (which provides us energy) that occurs naturally in foods such as grains, beans, vegetables, and fruit.  When unprocessed, sugar contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and proteins.

Refined table sugar aka sucrose, is extracted from either sugar cane or beets and lacks vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  Refined sugar enters the bloodstream quickly and wreaks havoc on blood sugar levels.  First it pushes it sky high and causes excitability and nervous tension, and the drops extremely low causing fatigue, depression, and exhaustion.

Top 5 reasons why Sugar Ruins Your Health

  1. Interferes with the absorption of calcium and magnesium;
  2. Can cause arthritis;
  3. Can contribute to osteoporosis;
  4. Can cause cardiovascular disease;
  5. Suppresses the immune system.

Sugar can be found in variety of products such as canned vegetables, cereals, peanut butter, tomato sauce and baby food.  Alternative names for sugar are: High Fructose Corn Syrup, Dextrose, Sorbitol, Maltose, Glucose, Fructose, and Sucrose.

photo1If you have a sweet tooth or like to indulge in sugary foods for that added energy, here are some healthy snacks and side items to incorporate into your diet:  Apples, bananas, mangos, smoothies, Sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, and broccoli.  These foods have natural sugar (fructose) and the fiber of the fruit or vegetable helps the sugar enter the bloodstream at a slow, even pace.

Take control of your health by paying attention to what you’re putting into your body.  Protect yourself and your family.  First, start by reading the ingredients.  Making slow changes to your diet and cooking will allow your taste buds time to adapt.  As a Certified Health Coach, I work with clients to help them reach and maintain their wellness goals.  Please contact me for a free health history consultation which allows us to determine how I can best help you with your nutrition issues.

Dr. Olga Garcia Luepschen and the Gentle Foot Care Center are located on US 27.  Visit us at or call 863-314-9255(walk)

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