Bitter Sweet

Is Sugar Such a Bad Thing?

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

But is sugar really as bad for us as once thought? The truth will surprise you.

"The role of sugar in determining nutrition and behavior factors continues to be misrepresented in the press and by many professionals," says Dr. Anderson. "The public's perception of the role of sugar in the diet continues to be at odds with scientific facts. The most current information available offers details on the relationship between sugar consumption and nutritional health and dispels a number of myths, including the myth that sugar has an adverse effect on behavior."

The presence of "sugar" diabetes is, of course, blamed on the consumption of sugar – or the over-consumption. "Many reports indicate that consumption of excess sugar is a major reason for obesity and thus diabetes," says Dr. C. Richard Mabray from Victoria, Texas. "Studies have been done showing that decreasing sugar in the diet of a diabetic will drastically decrease their condition and stabilize blood sugar levels."

Differing opinions – and studies – offer a different explanation altogether. "The once-believed theories regarding sugar and diabetes are not true," says Dr. Anderson. "Sugar affects people with diabetes no more damatically than do other forms of carbohydrates such as rice and potatoes. The rise in blood sugar after meals depends on total carbohydrates eaten, not on the types."

Want to see more?

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• Talk about it!