Sugar, a sweet means to a bitter end! For centuries, human beings have delighted in the nectar of life, right down to chewing on raw sugar cane in order to extract it's divine sweetness.
With time, sugar became a highly sought after commodity.
In the 12th century, Medieval historian William of Tyre declared that sugar was 'very necessary for the use and health of mankind'.
Due to the high cost of obtaining it, slave labor became a viable production option.
By 1750, sugar surpassed grain as the most valuable commodity in European trade.
With the ever increasing demand for sugar along with the need for a more cost effective production, man looked for ways to reproduce this affluent little delicacy, making it more affordable to the common man.
Initially, sugar was eaten raw (which is light brown in color disclosing a mineral content) as well as turned into molasses and rum.
However, it didn't take long for us to begin refining it as we were doing to wheat.
White crystalline sugar quickly became a staple in the modern day diet until the mid 1970′s when we discovered an even cheaper source of refined sugar: corn.
A process was created to extract the fructose from corn, turning it into glucose.
From there, chemicals were added to alter it's structure, turning it into synthetic fructose, otherwise known as High Fructose Corn Syrup.
In the 1930′s Dr Weston Price traveled the world studying the teeth and skulls of every primitive race he could find.
His conclusions were never challenged and equally powerful.
As these people were exposed to western foods, their health declined showing higher rates of tooth decay, arthritis, and TB.
However, those that continued eating their simple, primitive foods, revealed a comparatively lower occurrence of tooth decay and degenerative diseases.
Natural sugar does not cause an inflammatory response in the body.
Refining sugar involves chemicals rendering it a devitalized by-product and devoid of all vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
In turn, refined sugar stresses the body leading to nutrient depletion, toxicity and inflammation.
Natural fructose is not addicting and does not cause tooth decay or affect your blood sugar unless you neglect your well-being and eat it to excess.
It does not deplete the body, nor does it stress it.
High fructose corn syrup, on the other hand, is a non-food, inhibiting digestion, is addicting and leads to many bio-chemical mishaps within the body.
The bottom line; our pursuit of the sweet life is ravishing us from the inside and out! 1) Refined sugar acidifies the blood ~ now the body has to work to neutralize the blood by pulling stored vitamins, minerals and enzymes necessary for normal metabolism, putting undo strain on the adrenals.
Over an extended period of time, this accelerates aging, stresses the pancreas, and leads to systemic inflammation.
Additionally, with the enzymes being used elsewhere, digestion is slowed to the point of stagnation and fermentation, leaking toxic gases into the rest of the body causing problems in the joints, muscles and organs.
2) Refined sugar depletes the body of a) chromium which works in sync with insulin regulating blood sugar, reducing insulin sensitivity, supporting a healthier body weight and cholesterol levels; b) magnesium which maintains proper nerve and muscle function, keeps a steady heart beat, regulates blood sugar levels, promotes healthy blood pressure, improves bone strength and is involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis; c) calcium which is commonly known for it's relationship to healthy teeth and bones.
Calcium is also required for keeping our parathyroid hormone in check reducing the production of fat, it suppresses the growth of tumors and polyps in the colon, regulates blood pressure plus it ensures healthy blood pH levels; finally, d) refined sugar disrupts the phosphorus balance which is necessary for effective assimilation of calcium.
Without the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio, we develop stones in the gallbladder, kidneys and liver.
3) Refined sugar / elevated blood sugar inhibits GABA production.
GABA, along with Glutamate, is an abundant neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and cerebral cortex.
These two neurotransmitters work in partnership, keeping the body in balance.
GABA has a calming and quieting influence, soothing the excitement triggered by Glutamate.
Without GABA we see anxiety disorders, panic attacks, seizure disorders and many other conditions i.
e.
addiction headaches.
GABA is also linked to the production of human growth hormone which is why we see people aging faster and faster.
They are getting less and less rest, not producing proper amounts of hormones required for optimal performance, feeling older and older writing it off to; 'that's what happens when you get old'.
At this point, I could go on; however, I believe you get the point.
Refined sugar is NOT sugar.
In fact, the word 'sugar' is as widely used as 'kleenex' and 'coke'.
They are buzzwords; branding at it's finest.
Sugar as a whole food has benefits and does not harm the body; anymore so than honey.
When eaten in moderation, in it's raw form, provides some nutrition, as does honey, agave nectar, yacon syrup and any other whole food sweetener.
The idea here is to understand the damaging effects of processing our food supply.
Our best bet to a sweet life is to simplify; go back to the basics (as much as possible) and honor ourselves by honoring Mother Nature.
And remember, if you can't avoid a processed food / ingredient, there are ways to balance and restore.
The key is be mindful of your choices and be sweet on you!