Despelling Food Myths

Do you think that sugar is the main cause of diabetes or that it is the only culprit responsible for your fat? The more cake you tuck into or the more chocolate that you bite into, the more prone you are to increase your blood sugar. If you think so, then you are one of those who are reeling under some myths about sugar. This is the perfect place to clear all your myths and be updated about those sweet sugar facts.

Myth: Sugar is linked to hyperactivity

Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support this. You may see signs of hyperactive behaviour in kids after an intake of sweet snacks but don't blame the food for it. Pay attention to the overall environment of the child. There might be some special occasion or a party or a treat that has triggered off this hyperactive behaviour. So the next your child becomes hyper after consuming a sweet, analyse the environment and the occasion and discover for yourself what is the trigger.

Myth: Sugar causes diabetes

Fact: Diabetes is a disorder in the way the body handles sugar. Studies have pointed evidence to the fact that sugar does not cause diabetes. In diabetes, the body is unable to utilize sugar and the causes for this are yet to be fully known. Though in the past people were strictly warned against sugar but today, the view has changed. Sugars and starches have similar effects on blood sugar. According to the American Diabetic Association, a moderate amount of sugar can be part of a well-balanced diabetic diet.

Myth: Sugar causes weight gain

Fact: How do you put on excess weight? This happens when your calorie intake exceeds your expenditure. Excess calorie from any source can make you fat, so why blame sugar alone. Sugar is not an appetizer that will stimulate your appetite. All high sugar foods are high fat. So it is the fat that gives you more calories and adds on to your weight. Research has shown that sugars do not interfere with the bodily controls for energy balance. Hence sugar alone does not result in weight gain.

Myth: Natural sugars such as honey are better than refined white sugar

Fact: There are no nutritional differences among sugars. The body does not distinguish between white table sugar or honey or fruit sugar or milk sugar. They all provide you with approximately the same amount of calories. In the body all sugars break into simple sugars, which then travel through the blood stream and reach the body cells where they provide the energy.

Myth: Sugars are the main cause of dental cavities

Fact: Tooth decay is associated with a number of factors such as heredity, fluoride content etc. Sugars and other starchy foods are only part of the problem. What you eat is not discriminated by the bacteria present in the teeth. They feed on the foods that cling to the teeth and produce acid. The acids then breakdown the teeth enamel to form a cavity. Hence any food that sticks to the teeth increases the chances of tooth decay.

These are just some of the myths regarding sugar. Learn to separate the facts from fiction and you will go a long way in updating your nutritional knowledge that will keep you strong and healthy.