In our over-load information society, we have been told many conflicting facts about proteins, carbohydrates and fats, but one area that has not been misunderstood is sugar.

By now, we should all know the answer to the question, how much sugar is allowed in one day? The answer is zero. There is no recommended daily allowance for sugar. Most of you are probably saying right now, “Sure, no sugar.”

We are not saying you cannot ever, ever have sugar, but stating the fact there is no such thing as a recommended allowance for sugar. Modified, refined, processed sugar has no nutritional value on terms of everyday living and is therefore not needed at any amount. Sugar is a refined product that is made by man and put into many items we eat everyday.

You, the public, have been fooled by the word ‘sugar’ thinking our bodies need sugar for survival. Our bodies need glucose for survival (not sugar) and it usually is found present in our bloodstream.

Many of our foods, such as fruits, vegetables and rice are converted into glucose for us so there is no need to add more straight-dosed sugar. Our body is smart enough to take care of the job already. The body uses glucose for energy and it is metabolized to produce warmth and energy.

Unfortunately, many manufacturers have combined all carbohydrates on food labels into one category – whether refined or not.

Not too many products are separating carbs and sugars on their labels yet, but they are coming around as more and more of the population become aware of nutrition and healthy eating.

Be aware of a product that has a total of 25 grams of carbohydrates and 20 grams of it are sugar. This product is mostly all sugar and is not a very healthy food. (Anything in moderation is still a good philosophy).

The bad thing about ‘sugar’ on a label is that it can come in different forms, different amounts and sometimes the product contains multiple forms of processed sugar so it is hidden within the label and ingredient list. So be careful and look out for all sugar-based ingredients.

Following are words used to describe sugar in the ingredients on a food label. Lactose – sugar from milk. ‘Lactose intolerance’ – caused by the sugar in the milk. Maltose is sugar from malt. Dextrose is sugar from starch or ‘corn sugar.’ Finally, sucrose is a refined sugar from sugar cane or beats.

The refined product of sugar cane ‘sucrose’ can be very addictive. The more our body has, the more it wants. If you raise your children limiting their sugar intake, you will be surprised how they do not crave sugar like other kids. As a matter of fact, they will taste the sugar in certain products and say the food is too sweet.

The bottom line is that sugar can be detrimental to your health.

Many people have developed diabetes, cancer and skin problems due to long term overdoses of sugar. Due to many hours lapsing between meals and insulin levels dropping, your body begins to crave the nourishment, and usually sugar or ‘sucrose’ is the outcome by grabbing processed, quick meals. Next time you get a craving and your first thought is sugar – remember this article, drink a big glass of water and reach for something healthy.

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