The fact that sugar is bad for more than your teeth has finally been admitted by “health authorities” and more reluctantly the media. Back in the day, so-called health authorities claimed a high-fat diet was the cause of obesity, and as a result, companies began to produce foods low in fat.
Not matter how many non-fat foods one consumed, he or she didn’t get any slimmer. Research has shown for many years that the real culprit is sugar and other refined carbohydrates, (i.e., high fructose corn syrup, sugar, white rice, white flour, etc.)
We now believe that this has been known for 40 or more years but due to the strong sugar company lobby, this information was kept quiet. After sugar producers, soft drink and candy makers and everyone else who has a vested interested in selling refined carbohydrates get a chance to lobby and promote their interests; I would not be surprised if they came back and said that sugar could be part of a healthy lifestyle when consumed prudently.
Don’t fall for it—you know better! If only people had been informed of the dangers of a high-refined carbohydrate diet years ago, we would not have the obesity, diabetes and heart disease epidemic that we have today.
That is right; there is a definite connection between sugar consumption and obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Research has also shown that almost regardless of the form, excess intake of carbohydrates triggers factors that can lead to obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
Consumption of too many carbohydrates plays a primary role in both obesity and premature aging. If you are looking for a quick anti-aging and weight loss remedy – cut your carbohydrate intake.
Carbohydrates are the body’s form of quick energy. When they are consumed, carbohydrates are converted into glucose and glycogen by the digestive system, dumped into the bloodstream and then carried to the cells throughout the body.
Our body has a very limited ability to store carbohydrates. This isn’t a problem when we are active. During exercise, our muscles require this form of quick energy to function and the glucose can be removed directly from the bloodstream without the need for insulin.
On the other hand, when we are not active, and excess glucose remains in the bloodstream, out bodies release insulin to remove it. Insulin transports this excess sugar in the bloodstream to the liver where it is converted to fat components call triglycerides so it can be stored or used for energy later.
Some of these triglycerides remain stored, producing a fatty liver. As you consume carbohydrates and do not exercise, this causes insulin production that in turn causes fat storage, especially around the middle, the belly and what many call “love handles.”
Unfortunately, refined carbohydrates are highly addictive, and many people are unable to control themselves, while others struggle to get off of the bread, cakes, rice and sodas.
Also, many people have dealt with their weight and health issues for so long they have given up on doing anything about it, while many have tried diet programs that did not work from them so think it’s hopeless.
However, there is a solution to permanent weight loss. Anyone struggling with carbohydrate addiction and weight problems should attend one of our free weight loss workshops that are held multiple times during each month.
Next week’s topic: the dangers of artificial sweeteners.
For more information, please call 855-771-SLIM (7546)
Dr. Ramona Valentine
