Is white sugar really that unhealthy? |
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We have heard many times that white sugar is bad for our health.
But why is it so bad and how is it scientifically confirmed?
For now, both conventional and alternative medicine agree that white sugar:
- is a source of empty calories (does not contain vitamins and minerals, but is rich in calories)
- promotes weight gain
- causes tooth decay
- has a high glycemic index (rapidly raises blood sugar levels)
However, alternative medicine goes further and links the consumption of white sugar with many other diseases and health problems. It is believed that white sugar:
- extremely weakens the immune system
- causes hyperactivity in children
- increases the risk of cancer
- depletes the body from B vitamins
- is addictive (it is assumed that 95% of the population is addicted to sweets, i.e., to sugar)
- depletes the body from many essential minerals (calcium, magnesium and others)
- causes diabetes, one of the most deadly diseases in the world
- causes obesity and heart disease
What does science say about the claims of alternative doctors?
Scientific studies have not confirmed that white sugar causes the above diseases, or that it depletes the body from vitamins and minerals.
The lack of scientific confirmation of the damaging effects of sugar has encouraged many reputable organizations to publish their stance on this issue:
"Claims that sugar can cause chronic diseases such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, hyperactivity, etc. are not scientifically validated. Sugar can be a part of a healthy diet." (American Dietetic Association)
So many reputable organizations like the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) stated that there is no evidence that white sugar is associated with any disease except cavities.
What should I do?
It is up to you to choose whether you want to believe alternative or conventional medicine. But even decay, empty calories and high glycemic index are sufficient threats which should encourage you to reduce the consumption of white sugar.
Practical tips:
- instead of soft drinks and juices, drink water
- reduce consumption of sweets
- instead of two teaspoons of sugar you put in your tea or coffee, put one
- choose one day a week (for example, Sunday) to eat chocolate, cakes and drink soft drinks
- other days of the week try to avoid these foods
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