Are You Tempted by Sugar?
By Tom Herrin
There are lots of things that tempt us in life, some of them can get us into plenty of trouble. Some may not do that so much as add to some potential health issues we may experience. Sugar has been one of those things that has added to issues for some for a long time. For many years, researchers tried to develop a product that could take the place of sugar without some of the risks associated with it. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of years ago, some things were sweetened with a product made from lead. A safer substitute was developed and introduced about 140 years ago. This was saccharin, and it had a big impact. Except for a period when it was accused of causing cancer, it has been successful and available since then. The cancer scare was later blamed on a flaw in testing.
Diabetics Have a Friend in Sugar Substitutes
Being a diabetic was, at one time, a virtual death sentence. After the introduction of insulin for managing health, the next big thing was artificial sweeteners. These allowed those who must avoid sugar to enjoy most of the same treats as everyone else. The newer sweeteners taste even more like sugar are available everywhere. All we need do is stroll down the aisle of any grocery store and see just how many drinks are marked as sugar-free. It is a huge market and has made major improvements in the lives of those who rely on them.
Sweeteners for Dieters
No one has to tell us that a lot of people are trying to cut calories. It gets plenty of attention. Many individuals use sugar-free products to help cut calories. It can be pretty successful. Making an effort to avoid sugar can be a good way to eliminate taking in those extra calories. We are a weight-conscious society today, and cutting a few calories where we can may be a good way to keep our weight down. The other side of this is that some studies have indicated that sugar-free drinks may increase hunger and result in weight gain.
Watching Sugar May Work Fine
If you are an individual who has some self-discipline, you may be able to have treats with sugar without fear of problems. Unless you are diabetic, having an occasional sweet treat should be no problem. It is just important to remember to have a way to clean your teeth afterwards. Some people do this with gum or eating something that helps. Either way, we have to make good choices and be aware of just what we are putting into our mouths.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bloomington, Minn.