Sugar is necessary for energy, but can be found in many forms. Some are better for us than others as we shall see. I will make the argument in the blog over the next month that added sugars, those not naturally occurring in fruits or milk, are not part of the optimum diet and may be harmful.
I will give reasons and links to expert information to make my point, remembering that weight gain leads to excess breast cancer risk and added sugar is an all to easy way to get those excess calories leading to weight gain.
Sugar is a member of the macronutrient group of foods that provides energy, called carbohydrates. We will explore the differences between the simple and complex carbohydrates: and why quantity and type matter.
Today, I will begin with some basics and remind you as we go through this discussion to feel free to comment. I would also encourage you to read the food label on what you eat for carbohydrates and sugars. A good explanation of labeling is found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nutrition-facts/NU00293/. You may find far more added sugar than you expect.
I offer two sites to begin our journey: the US Department of Agriculture site http://www.choosemyplate.gov/weight-management-calories/calories/added-sugars.html to define added sugar and one noted researcher's view http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2009/06/8187/obesity-and-metabolic-syndrome-driven-fructose-sugar-diet with one well written NY Times article http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html?pagewanted=all.
It is my contention for the healthy diet, we do not need added sugar.
Together we can prevent 75,000 breast cancer cases each year!
This content is general medical information and not personal medical advice.
Thank you for these great links! I have trying to give up sugar and you have given me the push I need to get it out of my diet.
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