MediZine.com revises six commonly held ideas about sugar with research findings.
- Sugar serves some purposes. As a carbohydrate, sugar is a source of energy
for the body. It acts as preservative in jams; helps yeast to ferment during
baking; causes baked goods to brown, enhancing their visual appeal; and balances
acidity in tomato sauces and dressings.
- Sugar is harmful to your teeth. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria on the teeth
feed on carbohydrates and produce acids that destroy tooth enamel. Any carbohydrate
that sticks to your teeth can trigger decay.
- Sugar is not the culprit behind hyperactivity and diabetes, studies have repeatedly
demonstrated. In fact, sugar may actually calm children and adults. However,
sugar, can affect the health of a diabetes sufferer.
- The amount of sugared foods Americans eat have little to do with the quality
of their diets overall, according to a study from Georgetown University. Those
who ate greater quantities of sugar did not consume significantly fewer vitamins
and minerals.
- There are few nutritional differences among sweeteners, except blackstrap
molasses, which is rich in iron. Research from the University of Waikato in
New Zealand shows that honey, with 18 more calories per tablespoon than sugar,
may stop the growth of bacteria responsible for plaque. Preliminary data also
points to it containing trace amounts of antioxidants, which prevent cells
degradation.
- You can indulge your sweet tooth moderately and still have a healthy diet. Inactivity and overeating are the main culprits behind obesity. Eating excessive amounts of any food, including those laden with sugar, can lead to weight gain.
Moderator Comment: Is it the place of retailers to educate consumers by addressing the myths and facts concerning the products sold in stores?
Pass the sugar, please. [George Anderson - Moderator]