Sugar and Health

Courtesy of: Supreme Master Television

In today’s program, we take a look at sugar. It tastes delicious on the tongue, but just how sweet is it? What impact does it have on the rest of the body? How can we decrease the amount of sugar we consume, while still fully enjoying our lives? Let’s journey together to find out the answers to these questions. Let’s also examine some recent research which indicates that restricting sugar or glucose intake may have a very surprising outcome!

In North America, sugar-based foods are everywhere. Chewing gum, candies, chocolate bars and soda pops line the shelves next to the check-out counter of every major grocery store. Rows and rows of cookies occupy the aisles, while other shelves display a wide assortment of sugar-laden condiments. Freezers are filled with ice-cream and sweet frozen desserts.

Meanwhile, outside of the grocery store, fast food restaurants offer huge mugs of sweet colas, super-sized milk shakes, donuts and muffins. In 1999, a US Department of Agriculture survey indicated that the average American teenage male eats at least 109 pounds of refined sugar per year, while the average American adult eats upwards of 64 pounds. This represents a 30 percent increase from 1983.

What are the consequences of all this sugar consumption? One of the most frequent outcomes is weight gain. According to a 2004 survey conducted by the US Department of Health, almost one third of Americans between the ages of 20 and 74 are now obese. In turn, obesity can lead to other serious health problems such as coronary disease, high blood pressure, stroke, gallbladder problems, and Type 2 diabetes. Refined sugar also contributes to tooth decay. The most rapid decay is caused by sticky candies with a high concentration of sugar. The greatest damage occurs if the candy remains stuck to the teeth, even for a short period of time. In addition, refined sugars deplete the body’s supply of vitamins.

To digest this unnatural product, the body must use its internal supply of B-vitamins, chromium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. The resulting vitamin deficiencies can then manifest as cravings for even more sugar, eventually causing sugar addiction. But perhaps the most serious consequence of excess sugar is its impact on mental or psychological states. Sugar depletes the body of precious vitamin B, which normally gives us a sense of well being and relaxation. In addition, repeated excessive consumption of sugar can leave the body with an unusually high level of sugar in the bloodstream. This high blood sugar level can lead to a confused mental state, wide mood swings, hyperactivity, extreme fatigue, or depression. Many people also experience a general feeling of nervousness. How can we reduce our sugar intake? Fortunately, with a little imagination and determination, we can easily return to a more natural and healthy way of eating. Let’s find out how after these messages. You’re watching Healthy Living on Supreme Master Television.

Today we’re learning about a few simple and effective ways to reduce sugar intake and improve our health and vitality. The single most effective way to reduce sugar intake is to ensure that our diet is well-balanced and nutritious, with plenty of nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits. We should eat interesting and varied meals, so that our food is pleasing to the palate, beautiful to the eye, and good for the body. Try new recipes and get together with friends for healthy pot luck suppers. If the body gets enough tasty, nutritious food it will be satisfied and not crave sugar. Another effective method of reducing sugar intake is to remove all sugar and sweets from the house. Then if we want to have something sweet we must leave the house and eat out. This simple technique is very effective, because most times we will decide it is not worth the effort. However, if we do go out for something special, we will enjoy it much more consciously. Third, you should read the ingredients on labels. You may be surprised at how much sugar is in a serving of many processed foods. For example, a can of cola drink may contain up to 11 teaspoons of sugar. And be sure to check condiments, too. Tomato ketchup, for example, contains one teaspoon of sugar per tablespoon of ketchup. Even products such as cough syrups and protein powders are laden with sugar. Make a conscious decision before consuming anything.

When examining ingredients of foods, remember that sugar has many names, most of which end with the letters “ose”. For example, dextrose, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, and glucose are all sugars, as are corn syrup and fruit juice concentrates. Many things that we do, including the way we eat, are simply habits. If we begin to examine our lives, we can consciously replace old habits with behaviors that better serve us. For example, when tired, many of us may habitually reach for a sugary treat to boost our energy. Once we become fully aware of this, we can change. Next time we are tired, instead of eating a sugar-laden donut, we could meditate, take a short rest, or go for a walk. We would quickly realize how much better we feel!

Another way to reduce the desire for sugar is to get involved in a new hobby or activity, preferably one that involves the hands, such as art, music, carpentry, or gardening. Such activities are rewarding, and will keep the mind pleasantly occupied. If we feel the desire for something sweet, the healthiest ways of satisfying this desire is to enjoy the natural products of nature…. succulent fresh fruits. A banana, several slices of fresh pineapple, or a bowl of fresh strawberries and blueberries served with a cup of tea can be a most refreshing snack and a pleasant beginning of the day. Make sure the house is well stocked with these sweet gifts from God!

Speaking of sweets, do you like ice-cream? By keeping a few peeled and frozen bananas in the freezer, you can enjoy a very delicious chocolate “milkshake” in a matter of minutes. Place ½ cup of soy milk in the blender, add ½ cup of soft tofu, and a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder. Chop one frozen, peeled banana into chunks and add to the other ingredients. Cover and blend until smooth and thick. This is a very enjoyable and wholesome chocolate shake that tastes absolutely divine! Reducing or eliminating sugar from our diets may have another surprising outcome. When Healthy Living returns, we will find out what it is. Please keep your dial tuned here to Supreme Master Television.

Our show today features the benefits of reducing sugar in our daily lives. Supreme Master Ching Hai also teaches that excessive sugar consumption is detrimental to both our health and our mental state. She once stated:

The Garden Of Eden Biblical Story Spoken By Supreme Master ChingHai, Hsihu Center, Formosa - May 27, 1990 (Originally In Chinese) section: Introspect at all times.

MASTER: Sugar and candy don't do us any good. Sugar spoils all the vitamins we consume -- so I was told. So now you see why those who have high sugar intake, or have a lot of sugar in their coffee, look very nervous -- because they don't have enough vitamins. Besides, too much sugar causes tooth decay. Sweet thing doesn't help us. We will put on weight, get high blood pressure or heart disease if we have too many cookies. They are fatal diseases.

Dr. Nicholas Perricone is a world renowned expert on “anti-aging”. His own research has shown that not only a whole food diet, but primarily sugar avoidance, is key to avoiding inflammation and thus pre-mature aging. Glucose is a monosaccharide or simple sugar.

Recent research has identified a very interesting possibility when the intake of glucose is reduced. In a study recently published in Cell Journal, a group of German scientists conducted experiments on worms. They found that restriction of glucose, a simple sugar found in foods such as sweets, set off a process that extended the life span of the worms by up to 25%. In human terms, this would mean lengthening our lives by 15 years!

While scientists have long known that restricting caloric intake can extend life in worms and monkeys, this was the first time that a study has been conducted on glucose intake. Michael Ristow, an endocrinologist at the University of Jean and the German Institute of Human Nutrition, led the study. He concluded that the glucose restriction caused the worms to generate enzymes that strengthened long-time protection against harmful molecules called “free radicals”. So not only did the worms live longer, they also led healthier lives. Although the relation between glucose restriction and longevity in humans is unknown, the study certainly offers food for thought!

We can certainly begin trying to live a healthier lifestyle by beginning with the recommendations on today’s show of reducing our glucose intake. For an alternative approach, you can even try reflexology to get through moment-to-moment cravings. Massage all of both ears, in order to cover the acupuncture points for addiction. Pay particular attention to the tragus, which is the small semi-circle cartilaginous flap of the ear that is toward the cheek. Also, take a few slow, deep breaths. Greater success is likely if you convince your entire household to take a sugar-free plunge with you. That way you can keep temptation out of your house, which is 90% of the struggle. May God bless your body with good health, and your soul with inner peace to enjoy the true sweetness of life!

Thank you for your beautiful presence today on Healthy Living, airing every Monday on Supreme Master Television. Coming up next is Science and Spirituality, right after Noteworthy News. See you next week.

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