The United States is in the midst of an obesity epidemic. This epidemic puts about 75 million people in the high risk category. Obesity causes type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart conditions and cancer. Sugar and Carbohydrates are linked to obesity.
Cutting back on carbohydrates can reduce these growing rates. And lessen the negative impacts on our health. We need to consider cutting carbs. Which the Journal of Sports Medicine warns is the “the single most effective intervention for reducing all features of metabolic syndrome.”
Being sedentary and or smoking are unhealthy. Drinking alcohol is also a lifestyle choice. But the Journal of Sports Medicine warns that a high-calorie diet is responsible for many health problems. And this means even more than physical inactivity, smoking and drinking combined.
Sugar, Glucose and Fructose
Different foods affect the body in many different ways. Sugar also known as Sucrose, especially processed sugar, makes you fatter.
Sugar and products with high fructose content are made up of just two molecules: glucose and fructose.
Glucose: Carbohydrates are sources of many important nutrients. They can be an important source of energy for the body. When we consume carbs they move through the digestive system and become glucose. Glucose is a type of blood sugar. This sugar becomes the body’s fuel.
Our bodies automatically produce glucose from carbohydrates. They are a constant in the bloodstream.
Every cell in the body uses glucose for energy. Without glucose in our diet, our bodies must produce what we need from proteins and fats.
Fructose: The Fructose molecule isn’t produced by our bodies. We consume it through our food. It serves no healthy purpose.
Sugar consumed in the form of natural raw fruits don’t have the same negative impacts that processed sugar has. Raw fruits are rich in antioxidants and fiber. When you eat fruit it adds very little fructose.
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
The human body is made up of a lot of complex systems which keep the metabolism on track.
When you have metabolic syndrome you are at a high risk for diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
The regulation of food consumption involves several hormones and complex neural circuits. These hormones send signals to the hypothalamus which regulates food intake, and fat burning and storage.
Insulin Resistance and Weight Gain
The human metabolism plays a key role in regulating the production of blood glucose. And it interferes with its use as fuel for the body.
A meal high in carbs increases the glucose levels. Too much glucose sends the signal to create more insulin. Insulin is then sent into the bloodstream.
It is a delicate balance. Without insulin or if it doesn’t function efficiently. And that means the blood glucose can reach toxic levels.
When insulin levels are too high for an extended period of time, the glucose (fat) is not used correctly for fuel. Instead it moves through the bloodstream and becomes deposited and stored fat.
Consuming too many carbs can also cause elevated insulin levels. Consuming too much fructose can also create insulin resistance.
The research team at the CDC reported that for each extra 150 calories you consume from sugar, you are increasing by 11 times your risk of developing diabetes.
