Industrial sugar: beware of diseases

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Extract from the article: According to American researchers, industrial sugar, white sugar or refined sugar contributes to around 35 million deaths worldwide every year. The damage that sugar does to the body is so serious that it should be considered a potentially toxic subs

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After reading this article, and before you sweeten your porridge, coffee or tea, or eat jam or pastries, or drink a sugary drink, think very carefully about your health.

According to American researchers, industrial sugar, white sugar or refined sugar contributes to around 35 million deaths worldwide every year. The damage that sugar does to the body is so serious that it should be considered a potentially toxic substance like alcohol, tobacco and cocaine. Centuries ago in Europe, sugar was only available on medical prescription. This was because it was a chemical product that had to be used according to certain rules to avoid or limit its harmful effects on health. In short, sugar was not a substance available everywhere and consumed by everyone. But since the last century, industrial sugar has taken the world's population by storm. Today, uncontrolled and excessive consumption of this product is at the root of serious health problems, the best known of which is diabetes and all its corollaries.

According to its popular definition, sugar is a sweet-tasting substance. But in reality, this is not always the case. In chemistry, we don't talk about sugar, but about carbohydrates. According to American researchers, industrial sugar, white sugar or refined sugar contributes to around 35 million deaths worldwide every year.The damage that sugar does to the body is so serious that it should be considered a potentially toxic substance like alcohol, tobacco and cocaine.Centuries ago in Europe, sugar was only available on medical prescription.

This was because it was a chemical product that had to be used according to certain rules to avoid or limit its harmful effects on health.In short, sugar was not a substance available everywhere and consumed by everyone.But since the last century, industrial sugar has taken the world's population by storm.

This is because maize, rice and tapioca made from manioc contain starch, which contains a sugar or carbohydrate called maltose. Some vegetables contain a sugar called fructose.  The body synthesises maltose and fructose into glycogen, which the cells use for energy.

Like proteins and lipids, carbohydrates are essential constituents of living organisms and their nutrition.They account for 40-50% of calories in the human diet.That's why giving your body too much sugar is very dangerous for your health. 

White sugar is dangerous for your health

Apart from carbohydrates or sugars obtained through a natural diet, the body does not need any other form of sugar.All forms of industrial sugar are toxic to the health of human organs. Industrial sugar was originally intended for sportsmen and women.Since these are people who put in a lot of effort, sugar gives them the extra energy they need to perform at their best.When a person takes industrial sugar, it is comparable to excess, non-essential fuel that must be consumed.If it is not consumed, it must be eliminated by certain organs, including the liver.This elimination requires a great deal of effort from the body.

If the liver is unable to eliminate the excess sugar, it settles permanently in the bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar levels or hyperglycaemia, the cause of diabetes.

That's why people are advised to take regular physical exercise to help the body eliminate excess sugar.But how many people practise sport?Almost everyone is addicted to sugar, but very few people actually move around and exercise. The vast majority are considered sedentary.  

Sugar, bought on the market, is not essential to the body.For some experts, it is a narcotic of the same rank as a drug.In the same way as other narcotics, sugar is a substance with a high risk of abuse and is likely to lead to problematic consumption.

Why is sugar toxic?

Sugar is not, as some people claim, a natural product.White, industrial, refined sugar is an artificial product obtained after several stages of chemical processing.It is made from sucrose, which does not exist in nature, even though it comes from plants.Processing and refining are carried out by certain products that, according to some researchers, are fattening or have been tested in the laboratory to cause diabetes in rats. 

White sugar pollutes the body, impoverishes the organism and kills organs, starting with the teeth.

What to do?

The aim here is to have two categories of people.The first category is made up of people who will significantly reduce their sugar intake.A second category made up of those who will have the courage to avoid or even ban sugar consumption.

Basically, everyone needs to review the rate at which they consume sugar.In households, parents need to regulate their own consumption and especially that of their children. Parents need to stop force-feeding their children sweets.  Christians and other religious people need to know that the best way to avoid alcohol is not to throw themselves on sugary drinks, but to drink water. Yes, everyone should adopt water, which is the only drink the body needs.  Start your day with a big glass of water, even before breakfast.It's a wonderful gift to the kidneys, which will be healthier and cleaner to cleanse the blood.  

Like alcohol, which does nothing for the body, industrial sugar is a scourge that is contributing to increasing morbidity and mortality in Togo and around the world. Controlling sugar consumption is another public health and development challenge for developing countries.

Gamé KOKO

Article validated by Dr Essoréké Tchaou, Nutritionist-Dietician, Head of the ‘Santé Durable’ practice.