Foodie Friday: The Sugar Struggle Part II

Do to very limited time this week, I've put together this post by pulling together some interesting (and hopefully scary) information from the web. Sugar is bad folks, probably worse than you ever thought. Not only does it do bad stuff to your body, it can prevent good stuff from happening too. In addition, there are so many illnesses and diseases that can be prevented by seriously reducing (better yet, eliminating) sugar from your diet.

I know that it's a struggle to give it up and can turn really sweet people into Satan's minions, but "It's just too hard" is not a valid reason. Quit cold turkey or slowly reduce your daily intake, whatever works best for you, just do it. Today. Right now. No more excuses. You owe it to your body and your life to change.

In 1700, the average person consumed about 4 pounds of sugar per year.

In 1800, the average person consumed about 18 pounds of sugar per year.

In 1900, individual consumption had risen to 90 pounds of sugar per year.

In 2009, more than 50 percent of all Americans consume one-half pound of sugar PER DAY—translating to a whopping 180 pounds of sugar per year!

from: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/04/20/sugar-dangers.aspx

1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
5. Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection.
6. Sugar can cause kidney damage.
9. Sugar leads to cancer of the breast, ovaries, intestines, prostate and rectum.
10. Sugar consumption is the top cause of type II diabetes, as it increases levels of glucose and insulin. --> I don't know about you, but I do NOT want diabetes!
19. Sugar consumption can cause aging.
20. Sugar consumption can lead to alcoholism.
21. Sugar consumption is the top cause of tooth decay.
22. Sugar use contributes to obesity.
32. Sugar can cause hemorrhoids.
33. Sugar can cause varicose veins.
41. Sugar can increase cholesterol.
44. Sugar can cause migraine headaches.
53. Sugar can make our skin age by changing the structure of collagen.
59. Sugar can cause overeating.
 

http://www.earthincommon.com/rethink_01-article.html