According to Dr. Lustig and findings
from other recent studies, the adverse effects on our health of over
consumption of sugar are numerous. The
most obvious effects are obesity, type II diabetes, and tooth decay. Beyond these, the other harmful effects of
sugar are astounding and somewhat unexpected.
First, sugar affects our skin by causing the skin to lose the plump, elastic qualities that underlie a youthful
appearance. Further, sugar reduces the
quality of collagen in the skin. Excess
sugar suppresses the immune system by reducing the ability of white blood cells
to recognize and attack bacteria and viruses. Sugar has also been linked to heart
disease. According to an extensive study
by Kimber
Stanhope, a nutritional biologist at the University of California, Davis, there
is strong evidence linking excess high fructose corn syrup consumption to an
increase in risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Further, researchers from the Harvard School
of Public Health recently released a study in which they found that men who
drink one sugar-sweetened beverage (e.g., regular soda, sports drinks, etc.) daily
have a 20% higher risk of coronary heart disease than men who drink none. A similar study in published in 2009, found
that women who consumed one to two sugary drinks per day had a 23% increased
risk of a heart attack. Other studies
have found links between certain types of cancers and sugar. According to Dr. Lewis Cantley of Harvard
Medical School, “nearly a third of some common cancers- including breast and
colon cancers- have something called insulin receptors on their surface. Insulin binds to these receptors and signals
the tumor to start consuming glucose.” These
adverse effects are just the tip of the iceberg. For a list of 146 reasons why sugar is ruining
your health, go to www.rheumatic.org/sugar.htm.
*This is an article that I wrote a few years ago. I thought it would be appropriate as we begin a new year and attempt to adopt more healthful habits.
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