Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: STOCK IMAGES

Are you a sugar addict? Being addicted to processed sugar may not seem very threatening, but the fact is that it is extremely dangerous for your health. According to Statistics Canada, sugar accounts for approximately 21 per cent of a Canadian's daily caloric intake. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the dangers associated with consuming processed sugars.

All sugars, whether they are natural or refined, are processed by the body the same way. Additionally, they both supply four calories per gram. The Eat Right Ontario website explains that the significant difference is that naturally occurring sugars (in fruits, vegetables and milk) include vitamins and minerals that are essential for the body, while refined sugars provide no nutritional value. Unfortunately, there are also numerous risks linked with these refined sugars.

In the article "Processed Sugar Can Cause Addiction and Depression," Annette Nay discusses the numerous psychological hazards associated with processed sugars. She cites research that defines white processed sugar as an addictive chemical, and further explains that sugar raises endorphins, giving the body a mental chemical high, resulting in an acute mood lift. Continuous sugar intake eventually leads the brain to slow the production or even discontinue the release of natural endorphins in an attempt to maintain balance in the body. When the body does not release the "feel-good" endorphins naturally, individuals often experience symptoms of depression. To overcome these depressed low feelings, people turn to ingesting more sugar, ultimately encouraging a vicious cycle.

If the potential threat of depression is not alarming enough, the inevitable tooth decay may do the trick! If a person does not clean his or her teeth after eating sticky and sweet treats, bacteria begins to "eat" the sugar coating on the teeth, resulting in the production of acid, according to Eat Right Ontario. This acid will start to "break down" the enamel that is on the teeth; leading to cavities and tooth decay. The website recommends brushing your teeth after consuming any sugary foods. They also claim chewing a sugarless piece of gum or eating an apple can help to rid your teeth of the "sugar coat."

Furthermore, in the article "How sugar can ruin your life," Miller Van outlines that processed sugar is attributed to immune suppression. Van explains that "glucose (the chemical form of sugar) and vitamin C are transported into cells through a common mechanism, which means that the increased concentration of blood glucose resulting from the consumption of sugar or refined carbohydrates reduces the amount of vitamin C that can be absorbed by immune cells." Vitamin C is crucial for proper functions of the immune system, but as Van explains, sugar inhibits the body's ability to absorb this essential vitamin! Van adds that sugar is associated with heart disease and a variety of cancers. He states that refined sugars effect on the immune system "can increase the risk of cancer by as much as 10,000 times."

The good news is that there are alternatives to sugar, and fortunately, sweetness does not have to be compromised. Teya Skae, a corporate wellness presenter/researcher and author, recommends stevia and xylitol, assuring sweetseekers that "they are completely natural and have been proven not only safe but beneficial for our well-being." Stevia is an herb that is calorie-free and has no effect on vitamin C absorption, which solves the immune suppression problem. Interestingly, stevia is said to be 300 times sweeter than sugar! Xylitol is another perfect replacement for sugar. Teya explains that xylitol in its crystalline form can substitute as sugar in cooking and baking, and can be used as a sweetener. Xylitol is often found in gum, mints and hygiene products. Xylitol is said to "inhibit plaque and dental cavities by 80 per cent." It even remineralize tooth enamel, which eliminates the threat of tooth decay.

Lastly, it is difficult to turn down those sugary sweets everyone loves, but there are so many alternatives that can satisfy your sugar needs without all the refined sugars. Fruits are an excellent healthy alternative when looking for a sweet snack.

In conclusion, refined sugars are detrimental to health. Sugar can lead to depression, immune suppression, and tooth decay. Fortunately, there are endless options to steer clear of these potential dangers. Sugar can be replaced by natural, organic sweeteners like stevia and xylitol. Additionally, fruits, vegetables and milk all contain natural sugars which are a healthier option to getting a sugar fill. Keep in mind, sugar is delicious but deadly!

Hannah Vesterback is a Fitness and Health Promotion student at Fanshawe College.

Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.