Americans are heavier than ever in history. Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions. Our schools are filled with overweight and unfit children.
From 1970 to 1994 the average American consumed more than 500 more calories per day. At that time it was estimated we ate 20 tablespoons of sugar a day. This could be from sodas, cereals and even things like ketchup. Sugar has 16 calories per teaspoon which would account for 320 of the calories.
Fast forward to the year 2000. The average American consumed between 2 and 3 pounds of sugar a week. The last 20 years has seen an increase of sugar consumption from 26lbs .a year to a whopping 135lbs .a year. Prior to the turn of the century (1887-1890) consumption was only 5lbs. a year.
Sugar raises insulin levels in the body. This inhibits the release of growth hormones, in particular testosterone. In turn this depresses the immune system. Glucose and vitamin C have similar chemical structures so as sugar levels rise vitamin C can’t compete to enter the cells. Glutathione works with other antioxidants to police the cells, eliminating the free radicals that tear our cells down. This is extremely important as we age and encounter the aging illnesses associated with it.
Besides the tragedy to our immune system, average weight has skyrocketed. According to a study in 2001 in the International Journal of Obesity, the larger your waist the lower your level of testosterone. This is indeed something to consider if you are on a training schedule and are trying to add lean muscle mass to your body.
The health dangers associated with habitual high sugar levels are: aggravated asthma, nervous disorders, mental illness, high blood serum triglycerides, cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, metabolization of cholesterol and fatty acids is impeded, gallstones, arthritis, and it can hasten hypertension to name just a few.
Honey, often referred to as a natural sugar, is one of four classes of simple sugars. They are sucrose, fructose, honey and malts. Honey has the highest calorie content of all sugars with 65 calories per tablespoon, compared to 48 calories for table sugar. The message here is to avoid sugar like the plague!
Here's to a leaner, healthier YOU!
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