(29-03-13) The dangers of ingesting processed sugar

by Sandeep Godiyal

(NaturalNews) Sugar in itself is not at all bad. As a matter of fact, the body can benefit from it in some way. However, the horror comes from too much ingestion of foods that contain processed sugar. Too much consumption can lead to many health dangers including obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and cancer. And everyone is at risk, but more so young children who suffer from early exposure to sweet and processed treats.
How did it all start?
Processed sugar was not known to the human population, at least not until food processing methods were introduced. Since this modernization in food processing, the consumption of processed sugar has significantly and steadily risen. And while consuming sweet treats can make an individual feel good (as a matter of fact, it is considered to be a comfort food), comfort does not last long as dangers to health eventually creep in.
What is the truth about processed sugar?
The truth is processed sugar does not contain any health benefit. It lacks fiber, minerals, proteins, enzymes, fats or anything that the body needs for healthy development. All it contributes to the body are empty calories. And with all the sweet products out there, it seems that people's addiction to processed sugar increases and so are the dangers that come with it.

Because processed sugar does little good or none at all for the body, the human body then tends to borrow and use up stored nutrients for metabolization. Potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium are taken away from healthy cells from different parts of the body in an effort to counteract the effects of processed sugar. This is why it becomes more dangerous if there is nothing else on an individual's diet but processed and sugary foods.
What are the problems that come with too much consumption of processed sugar?
Processed sugar leaves poisonous residues when it is not neutralized properly. This is why the body has a tendency to steal away nutrients from different parts in order to counterbalance sugar ingestion. While this may work to neutralize processed sugar, it does the body no good at all. For instance, the body may use up too much calcium for metabolizing processed sugar. However, it also means calcium needed for bone and teeth development is compromised. Such can lead to teeth loss and osteoporosis.

When the body no longer has nutrients to borrow from healthy cells, the body accumulates the poisonous residues from processed sugar. And such can also affect the brain and the entire nervous system. Because too much of these residues can build up in the bloodstream, it will eventually cause and actually hasten cellular death.

When the blood sugar level rises, the pancreas too can become unable to manage it properly. If this happens, the pancreas may tend to produce too much insulin and that may lead to diabetes. Processed sugar is also known to increase bad cholesterol and reduce good cholesterol in the human body, and such an event can lead to heart diseases. Other health dangers of over consumption of processed sugar include high blood pressure and cancer.

Sources:

http://www.worldwidehealth.com
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/106/4/523.full
http://www.macrobiotics.co.uk/sugar.htm

About the author:
Sandeep is an avid rock climber, Mountaineer, runner, and fitness coach. He shares his tips for staying in shape and eating healthy on several fitness sites.

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