Added Sugars: Public Health Enemy # 1

Added sugar is being credited with plunging Americans into a major health crisis as it is being directly linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Children fed products high in sugar and high fructose corn syrup are becoming obese and diabetic at ever earlier ages.

These substances sneak into diets in different forms such as processed foods, crackers, peanut butter and yogurt. Even some breads use it as an ingredient.

The way sugar works to make us sick is in its glucose form, which is quickly absorbed from the small intestine and then triggers the pancreas to secrete insulin. Insulin is a hormone that in turn delivers glucose cells that is used as energy or is stored as glycogen or fat.

Consistently high sugar loads can lead to insulin resistance, leaving glucose in blood circulation instead of where it is needed.

How do you avoid foods that are part of this dangerous trend? Stick to whole, organic foods such as fresh produce and frozen untreated produce and stay away from soda and fruit juices with additives.