The Not So Sweet Truth About Sugar

Monday, April 18, 2011 by Stephen Sinatra

Iced TeaYou’ve all heard it: diet sodas are bad news. Now, as we’re heading into the hotter days of summer, I encourage you to add sports drinks and sweet teas to the “don’t drink it list”…

There are now several studies confirming what I’ve observed for decades—that too much sugar will age you faster, and put you at a greater risk for developing heart disease than cholesterol.

6 Ways to Protect Yourself:

1.  Read Labels: Most of the sugar you eat is “hidden,” usually under the guise of high fructose corn syrup in processed foods. Do everything you can to avoid these sneaky sugar products. 

2.  Steer Clear of Doughnuts, Cookies and Pastries: These foods are filled with sugar and damaging hydrogenated oil and processed, fiber-less flour. Who needs this jackpot of junk? 

3.  Beware of Sodas:
They are literally liquid candy. And while I’m on the subject, watch out for sweetened trendy teas, energy drinks, and sports drinks. 

4.  Use Natural Sweeteners: If you need to sweeten any foods, add a little juice from oranges, grapes, pears, peaches, or other fruits. You can also use some shredded raw or dried apples, coconuts, raisins, or dates. 

5.  Eat Several Small Meals: 
Start with breakfast, and include some protein at each sitting to keep you feeling satisfied. By eating little portions throughout the day, you will be less inclined to overload on party food.  

6.  Limit Alcohol Intake: This includes wine, beer, and liquor. Many people don’t realize that alcohol contains a large store of hidden sugar.

Now, it’s your turn—do you have any tips for avoiding sugar?

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Comments for The Not So Sweet Truth About Sugar

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Saturday, May 7, 2011 by Peter Bixler:
I'm really glad the subject of sugar is finally grabbing the headlines. I've become convinced over the past several years that sugar may well be the real culprit behind the exploding epedemic of heart disease (along with trans fat and high leves of Omega 6 oils). The theory that the consumption of saturated fats causes heart disease has never been well-proven and low-fat diets appear to have gotten us nowhere. The key to heart disease seems to be inflammation and sugar, trans fat and high Omega 6 levels are all very inflammatory. There is a strong history of heart disease in my family and I have gone on an ultra-low sugar diet rather than take Statin drugs. I eat fruits and vegetables but no refined sugars and I only eat things like bread and pasta occasionally. I eat quite a bit of meat but also lots of fruits and vegetables, nuts, olive oil and some whole grains (like oatmeal). I use Stevia as a sweetner or, occasionally, small amounts of honey (which is glucose and not fructose). My CRP, blood sugar and lipoprotein a levels are very low so I'm hoping this is working