Glucose, fructose, and sucrose may all taste the same, but a groundbreaking study found that they act very differently once in your body. Researchers from the University of California, Davis found that those who consumed fructose-sweetened beverages suffered many adverse side effects that were not present amongst those who consumed glucose-sweetened beverages. To learn about these unhealthy side effects and which type of sugar to avoid most, click here.
Discussion of processed foods containing sugar, leads to discussion of the benefits and risks of using artificial sweeteners. This is a whole topic onto itself but in short, due to detrimental neurologic effects of most artificial sweeteners, it is best to avoid them. Use Stevia, an herbal agent readily available at Trader Joe’s and health food stores instead.
Also, artificial sweeteners, while they may not have any calories, still cause the body to secrete insulin and it is insulin that causes the body to store fat. High insulin levels are a significant factor in causing modern day diseases. ONLY carbohydrates (breads, pasta, pastries, cereal, fruits, vegetables, grains) cause the secretion of insulin, and some “high glycemic” foods (bread, wheat, white potatoes, corn, rice – white or brown) cause a lot of it’s secretion and some lower glycemic foods (proteins like beef, chicken, fish, most vegetables and berries) cause a lot less of it’s secretion.
If you would like to discuss this or other dietary related issues, please contact my office at 805-569-5000 to schedule an appointment.
