Friday, March 13, 2009

Sugar And Weight Loss

Not only is large amounts of sugar bad for your health, it is a contributing factor in an entire host of issues we won’t even have time to discuss here. Diabetes is only one of many major health problems you can get with a diet rich in sugar, obesity is another. Sugar contains no vitamins or minerals and draws on the micronutrient the in the body in order for your system to metabolize it. When these storehouses are exhausted, the body’s ability to break down cholesterol and fatty acids is impeded. So if you are seriously trying to lose weight should cut down on your sugar intake drastically.

Manufacturers will use a verity of labels for naming sugar. So unless the law changes, it is up to us to read labels and recognize what is being disguised as sugar. Some common terms for sugars are sucrose (table sugar), fructose (fruit sugar ), mannitol, maltose (malt sugar), lactose (milk sugar), glucose, dextrose (corn sugar), sorbitol, galactose, glycogen, monosaccharide, and polysaccharide. Using sugar substitutes as an alternative presents other health risks. If you think Splenda or aspartame are suitable alternatives, think again, they are linked to cancer.

Carbohydrates while are not harmful themselves, need to be proportioned sparingly and with the right kinds carbohydrates when you are attempting to reach your weight loss goals. A diet high in simple carbohydrates such as white pasta or white bread will upset your blood sugar level. However complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread, brown rice or nuts can provide long-term health benefits, and help to control your appetite and sustain your energy levels.

Refined junk foods are high in sugar to give them a great taste. And you can’t check labels while eating at a restaurant. It is up to us to make intelligent choices about the food we eat. Try substituting your white bread or pasta with a whole wheat option instead. Be wary of commercial drinks. Even some of your iced teas and juices have some form of sugar listed high on in the ingredients. And it’s important to remember that the higher an ingredient is on the label the more that product contains.

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