Sugar: The Hidden Addiction

Sugars are found in many types of foods. They are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, & dairy products. The problem is the added sugars that most people put in their diets.  These sugars are considered "empty calories", because they are not naturally occurring, add more calories, and provides no vitamins or minerals. Extra calories means extra weight and sugar makes weight loss difficult because high insulin levels. They are found in sodas, condiments, fruit juices, soups, breads, chips, sweetened cereals and desserts.

Too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, because your mouth converts the sugar into acid that destroys your tooth enamel. It increases risk of obesity and terminal diseases. A big problem with too much sugar is that it does not fill you up, so you can consume a lot of sugar foods before you feel full. In addition, foods that are high in sugar are also high in fat!

Popular kids foods ingredients are usually start with corn, corn syrup, modified cornstarch, canola oil and high fructose corn syrup. Basically, you are feeding your child or children starch, oil, and a bowl of sugar.

For adults and children, sugar is a short-term source of energy and pleasure (a high). According to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, kids are eating 29 teaspoons of sugar a day! About 1/3 of the children and teen population in the United States are either overweight or obese.

In a recent study at Yale University School of Medicine discovered that when sugar is ingested by children, they experience a rapid rise of adrenaline 2x more than adults. This can lead to hyperactivity, crashing lows, tiredness, irritability, & lack of concentration. Instead of giving your kids sugary drinks and prepackaged foods, give them some fruit! It is naturally sweet with fiber and vitamins they need!

Types Of Sugar

1. Carbohydrates
2. Sucrose (Granulated sugar)
3. Fructose (Primary sugar in fruit)
4. Lactose (Naturally occurring sugar)
5. Glucose (Form of sugar our bodies prefer for energy)
6. Dextrose (1 - 13 all found on the labels)
7. Maltose
8. Invert sugar
9. Brown sugar
10. Raw sugar
11. Cane sugar
12. Turbinado sugar
13. Brown Rice Syrup
14. Fruit Juice Concentrate
15. Maltodextrin
16. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
17. Honey
18. Maple Syrup
19. Confectioner's sugar
20. Molasses