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Today’s heart disease prevention tip has to do with how damaging sugar can be to the heart. I am one who likes sugar, sometimes too much of it! If you are like me, then perhaps we need a wake up call about the importance of not over indulging with this product which can be found in so many foods. The following articles discuses the hidden dangers of sugar many of us may not be aware of.
Heart Disease Prevention Tip Number 2 – The Sugar/Heart Connection
By Beverly Batdorf
Does heart disease run in your family? Have you already been warned by your doctor to cut out fats and to get more exercise? Is your blood pressure high? How about your cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels? If these indicators are high, you are probably at risk for heart disease. Imagine what it would be like to return your heart to the healthy condition it was in 20, 30, or 40 years ago. You can, but first you need to learn what sugar is, and then learn how sugar affects triglycerides, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and lastly, cholesterol.
Before connecting the dots between heart disease and sugar, it is helpful to understand how sugar is made. Sugar is a substance made by extracting ALL the food elements from either sugar cane or sugar beets, which includes all the vital vitamins, minerals, fats, amino acids, protein, enzymes, and fiber. What is left is a chemical compound known to scientists as C12H22O11-sugar. It is interesting to note that cocaine is made in a similar fashion. It is also an extracted substance, taken from the coca plant – its chemical formula is C17H21NO4. Heroine, the extracted salt of morphine, is likewise formed by taking the opium plant, isolating first the morphine, and then treating the morphine with chemicals and water. Its formula is C17H17NO. All three of these substances are taken from food sources, but technically they are not foods. They are pure chemical compounds.
Because sugar has been stripped of all food elements, it is not recognized by the body as a food. Consequently, in order to be metabolized, it must steal vitamins and minerals from other parts of the body. Sugar is much worse than mere ‘empty calories’, because it depletes the body of essential nutrients, causing deficiencies. Calcium is taken from bones and teeth, and other vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium are robbed also. Unless sufficiently replenished, the body eventually becomes depleted of the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to work effectually. The result is a depleted glandular system, sluggish organs, and weak blood.
One organ that is particularly affected by the intake of sugar is the liver. Sugar is stored in the liver in the form of glucose. When sugar is consumed in excess, the liver is strained, and expands like a balloon. When it is filled to capacity, it sends the excess glucose back to the bloodstream in the form of fatty acids or triglycerides. These fatty acids accumulate in the butt, thighs, and other noticeable places, and also find residence in organs such as the heart and kidneys. According to William Duffy in ‘Sugar Blues‘, these then (the heart and kidneys) “begin to slow down; finally their tissues degenerate and turn to fat. The whole body is affected by their reduced ability and abnormal blood pressure is created.”
Blood sugar problems set in when the body can no longer metabolize sugar effectively. In a state of health, the amount of glucose released into the bloodstream by the liver is regulated by the pancreas. Insulin is secreted to balance the sugar levels if they get too high. The problem arises when sugar is consumed too much and too often, and the body can no longer regulate and balance the amount of glucose in the blood. This results in either diabetes or hypoglycemia, both caused by excessive sugar intake. In the case of the diabetic, the intake of sugar causes an overload of glucose in the blood, which much be brought into balance by insulin. The injection of insulin causes a reaction just as strong in the other direction by dropping the levels of glucose in the blood. This constant barrage on the body is like being the object in the middle of a tug-of-war. First one way, and then the other, the object is pulled and dragged back and forth until it is worn out. So too will your adrenal glands become worn out if they have to constantly work to maintain this balance. Unless the diabetic and hypoglycemic restrict their intake of refined carbohydrates, especially sugar, their bodies will continue to wear down, and heart disease will be only a matter of time.
High cholesterol is another indicator of heart disease, and also seems to be affected by sugar intake. In studies done by the American Medical Association, results showed that good cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol) in those who consume 25% of their daily intake from sugar are only 1/3 as high as those who only consume an intake of 5% sugar. Even though cholesterol is manufactured from fats and not from sugar (as triglycerides are), there still is an apparent correlation between sugar and cholesterol. The alarming statistic is that the average American adult now consumes 22 tsp. of sugar /day. Average consumption for teenage boys is 34 tsp. /day. This is up to seven times the amount recommended by the American Heart Association, and is equivalent to being 25% or more of their daily average caloric intake.
Sugar depletes and deteriorates the body because it is not a natural food the body recognizes. It is a toxin, or poison. Dr.Henry Beiler believed that heart damage results from a toxic condition; i.e. – from a chemical disturbance of the body. He also said that “where the heart is not too badly damaged, recovery always follows after the chemical disturbance is removed.” Lowering sugar intake is a major step in that direction. Continuing a diet high in refined sugar is like playing with a time bomb that’s been set. Refined sugar is a NOT a food substance, and careless consumption will be costly.
Check my website, not only more for more information, but also for effective help for restoring the body back to a healthy condition. Live longer, and live well! http://www.haveahealthyheartnow.com
I inform people about some of the myths that are circulating concerning food as it relates to health, and provide suggestions that will dramatically increase the potential for living disease free. I am a wife, mother of five, and grandmother of six grand-daughters.
After reading this, I hope you have a better understanding of why sugar is a substance we should limit in our diets. This heart disease prevention tip may be tough for some to follow, but if one desires to have a healthy heart, it is best to carefully monitor their sugar intake.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique
Related articles
- Foods You Should Avoid (everydayhealth.com)
- Is a simple sugars diet good for heart disease (wiki.answers.com)
- Heart Disease: The Diabetes Connection (everydayhealth.com)
- The Facts on Heart Disease, Sodium, and Sugar (everydayhealth.com)
- To Eat or Not to Eat Sweets This Holiday Season? (totalfatsolution.com)
- Sugary Drinks Hurt Even Skinny Women’s Hearts (livescience.com)
