Garden of your heart

Refined sugar 's affects!

I had stated earlier that I was going to start putting some info on my blog regarding sugar.  My husband and I are cutting out sugar for the most part.

Here are some things that I read on www.healingdaily.com  (just a note that I don't agree with everything on this website) of ways that sugar can affect your health: 

(the list is long so I am just putting in some of the things)

*sugar can suppress the immune system (matter of fact, I read somewhere that after eating sugar your immune system is lowered for up to 6 hours).  WOW!

*sugar can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children (hmmmm...just children?? )

*sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.

*sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs)

*sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs)

*Sugar can cause hypoglycemia

*Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against baceterial infection.

*sugar can cause kidney damage.

*sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

*sugar interferes with the absorption of calcium and magnesium

*sugar can produce an acidic stomach.

*High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

*sugar can cause depression

*sugar can cause hormonal imbalance

*sugar can cause headaches.

etc.  

 Of course with anything like this, I am not a doctor and in know way am giving medical advice.  But I do find that there must be some things that have changed over the years as I see more and more people having cancer, mental illness, diabetes, and on and on.......

According to www.rense.com  in 1915 the national average for sugar consumption for the year was around 15-20 pounds per person.  Today the average person consumes his/her weight in sugar, plus over 20 pounds of corn syrup.  Just think, some people don't use any sugar at all, so that means that some are using even more than this amount! 

There was a lot more that I have read, but too much to share today!  Another website that I am finding very helpful not just in the area of sugar, but other health too is www.westonaprice.org     Matter of fact on this website it talks about maple syrup/sugar as an healthier choice due to the potassium, calcium, etc. in it.    They share some recipes as well!

If you eat processed low-fat foods, watch out for the sugar!  They increase the sugar in order to help the taste!  That is why I have decided I need to make my own desserts and foods, etc so that I can control what is going into it. 

Well, this is a start for anyone who is interested in reducing the sugar intake for your family!   We haven't had sugar for 1 1/2 weeks.  I personally have noticed that I just "feel" better.  I fight allergies and sometimes it settles in my chest, or I just feel "sicky" tired, but I haven't been this week.  My aunt and husband have noticed that their skin is not breaking out like it was before! 

Anyone who has any input, special low sugar recipes, etc. I would love to have you share those!  :)

Sugar Free

09:36, Tuesday, October 21, 2008 .. Posted by DEANMAMA5

Hello,

I see your trying to cut sugar, so I thought I'd share a book with you called Sugar Free Cooking with Stevia by James and Tanya Kirkland. It has several recipes in there from desserts, beverages, and some main dishes you can try by using this God given product of nature. It hasn't been approved by the government as a sugar substitute, but is considered a supplement. It is very sweet. I've used it on cereal, Koolaid, homemade maple syrup(recipe in book), and whip cream. It doesn't spike blood sugar levels either from what I can tell.

I loaned my book out to someone and never got it back, so I wouldn't mind getting another one of these books myself to try more recipes.

Hope this helps you on your journey to healthier eating.

Angela