Sweetener Wars
High fructose corn syrup, a sweetener used in soft drinks and many other products, isn’t more likely than sucrose, commonly called table sugar, to promote weight gain.
While high-fructose corn syrup has gotten a reputation as a “bad” sugar, the new study found that neither sweetener, when consumed as part of a sensible diet, promoted weight gain or fat accumulation.
Ongoing research seems to suggest that in studies done, the evidence shows that it’s the amount of sugar you intake, not the type,that leads to weight gain and other problems. In 2008, the American Medical Association concluded that high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute more to obesity than any other caloric sweetener, but it did say that further research is needed on the health effects of all sweeteners.
The recommendation is, that all added sugars must be less than 10% of total calories daily. In practical terms, what does that mean? If you eat 2ooo calories a day to maintain your weight, a 250 calorie cookie may be more than you should eat. Something to consider when reaching for that sweet snack.
Is this natural sweetener healthier than table sugar? Natural sweeteners are gaining popularity as fears about white sugar and high-fructose corn syrup sweep across America. Agave is one natural sweetener that has been generating a lot of buzz with health conscious consumers and natural cooks. The truth is that agave is processed just like other sugars–and is no better for you. Don’t be dazzled by the word “natural”, U.S. food regulators do not legally define the term, so it’s left up to manufacturers.
What is Agave? More than 300 species for agave plants grow in the southern United States, southern South America and parts of Mexico. Agave nectar has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for it’s medicinal properties. Most agave sweeteners are produced from the blue agave plant. The core of the plant contains “honey water” the substance used for syrup production (and when fermented, tequila). Although agave starts out as a natural elixir from Mother Nature, the form we can buy has been processed into a syrup or nectar.
Processing yields a product of light colored nectar resembling honey, but with a more delicate taste, which made this a popular choice to sweeten tea, energy drinks, and more. The amber colored agave nectar tastes similar to carmel and can be used like maple syrup on pancakes. Agave has about 60 calories per tablespoon compared to 40 calories for the same amount of table sugar. But because the agave is sweeter you may use less of it, which means you can achieve the same sweetness for about the same number of calories.
Is Agave Healthier Than Sugar? The bottom line is that refined agave sweeteners are not inherently healthier than sugar, honey, high fructose corn syrup or any other sweetener. Experts agree: the American diet contains way too much sugar. One of the simplest ways to improve the healthfulness of your diet is to reduce the amount of all simple sugars. It’s better to satisfy your sweet tooth with whole fruit than with any other kind of concentrated sugar product.
Brace yourself–sugar isn’t the only dental villain!
We use our teeth to talk, chew and smile. Here are some teeth facts you may not have known. Sour can be just as bad as sweet. Acidic, low-pH foods like sour candy, soft drinks, and fruit juices can soften teeth. The result: enamel erosion and diminished tooth size. Dr.Shlafer’s worst nightmare: ultra-sour, ultra-sticky, ultra-sugary kids candies such as Warheads, even sour gummy vitamins can be culprits. When these sour candies were tested,it was found they have a really low pH, nearing battery acid. To make matters worse, a child’s tooth enamel is not mature until a decade after their teeth erupt, so they are more susceptible to the acid. Adults aren’t off the hook: low pH fare includes sour mango, Altoids and even sugar free soft drinks. If you are going to consume highly acidic foods, do it during mealtime, you will minimize the effects. Better yet, chew xylitol-containing gum such as Trident or Orbit. Xyilitol fakes out the bacteria and may help prevent cavities. Finally, don’t forget to brush!
You can be missing teeth at any age. Some people are born missing teeth, most commonly wisdom teeth or incisors (which is located next to the big front tooth). People can inherit missing teeth. Still the most frequent causes of tooth loss are gum disease and cavities. Studies show that 22.8% of Americans age 65-74 and 29.4% of Americans 75 years and older wear dentures. Don’t be a statistic, Dr.Shlafer can help, call for an evaluation today!
Next we will talk about, too much fluoride–is that possible? Braces, can they cause cavities?
People are talking about sugar cleanse diets, perhaps you are considering your own sugar smackdown. Is this the latest food fad, or are the sugar naysayers on to something? Can we be addicted? The jury is still out. It would do most of us well to lighten up on the sweet stuff.
Pediatricians are concerned that too much sugar is in their young patients’ diets. Keeping in mind, sugar itself is not the whole problem, you have to consider the excess pounds gained due to the excessive amounts of sugar we consume in products like juices, sweetened cereals, cookie and candies.
To much sugar can affect our cholesterol, an also our children’s health. Eating too much sugar can create two main problems, it either adds empty calories to your diet or it displaces other nutritious foods. Moderation is the key, experts recommend women limit themselves to 6 teaspoons a day which is about 100 calories and men to 9 teaspoons a day or 150 calories. How much sugar is that? A 12 ounce can of regular soda contains 8 teaspoons of sugar or about 130 calories. Just like that, you’re over your daily recommended limit!
Are some types of sugar better than others? There is no truth to the common misconception that replacing white refined sugar with honey, maple syrup or molasses is a better option. The bottom line is they are all simple sugars. Sugar also shows up naturally in a lot of foods, those are not the types of sugar in the spotlight. Instead, it’s the sugar in the doughnuts, specialty coffee drinks, soda and processed foods that we need to be watching.
What changes could you be making to decrease your sugar intake?
