Sugar: useful properties and contraindications

Sugar is quite a controversial product. Its addition to foods and beverages makes life better and brighter, improves mood, and all this due to its sweet taste. In addition to its effect on mood, it is used as a flavor enhancer and preservative. But at the same time, when consumed in large quantities, sugar can act as a real health poison. Therefore, it is worth carefully to understand what this substance is and "what it is eaten with".

Types of sugar

It is possible to divide sugar according to several criteria.

The first classification divides sugar into the following types - it is natural, which is part of the products (for example, fructose in berries and lactose in milk), and added - this is the well-known refined, added to many well-known drinks (Coca-Cola, concentrated purchased juices, etc.) and baking. The first type of sugar is considered best for consumption.

The second classification is more familiar to us and distinguishes the following types of sugar (let's consider the most famous):

1. Granulated sugar - granulated sugar or beet sugar. The most popular and used by mankind - almost 60% of sugar is made exactly from the root of the sugar beet.
2. Cane sugar is made from cane juice. We often see it in brown - it is unrefined cane sugar and has a distinct molasses smell.
3. Maple sugar is probably the oldest sugar represented. Even Native American peoples discovered a way to extract sugar from maple, though it had a liquid form. Now it is called syrup. Leaving it out in the cold overnight, they made "sweet ice" - ice cream. Today, maple sugar is made by evaporating maple sap.
4. Palm sugar is derived from the sugar palm tree and is popular in eastern Asia. It does not look like the white crystals we are used to. It is more like dried caramel, of the same color and viscous consistency.
5. Grape sugar is the most insidious and harmful to the figure of all. It has less sweetness, so it should be added to products more than others. At the same time, its caloric value is not less than the others.
6. Malt sugar - is extracted from cereal crops. It is rarely found in the kitchen, but it is always in abundance in beer breweries because it participates in the fermentation process, accelerating it by feeding the yeast.
7. Coconut sugar is derived from the pulp of coconut. It is produced without heat treatment.

What is the difference between cane sugar and white sugar?

The most basic difference between cane sugar and regular beet sugar is how they are processed.

1. Beet sugar is made by thinly slicing a sugar beet root, resulting in the release of sugar juice. It is filtered and purified. By heating it, crystals called granulated sugar are formed.
2. Cane sugar has a more complex manufacturing process, involving the use of bone semicoke, a substance obtained from the charring of animal bones. This ingredient helps whiten and filter the sugar. If it is removed from production, you end up with unrefined cane sugar, which is also approved for consumption.
3. This, by the way, is another difference - beet sugar is used only in its refined form, while cane sugar can be seen in the store even unrefined.
4. When consuming cane sugar, you need to be sure that it is not made from a GMO product, which cannot be said of beet sugar. Consuming genetically modified foods is known to have negative effects on the liver, kidneys and other organs of the living body.

How much sugar can be eaten per day

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) sugar should not constitute more than 5-6% of daily calorie intake. If converted into habitual figures, this is 30 g - about 6 teaspoons of sugar. You have to admit that we can consume a lot more sugar in a day if we take into account its addition to drinks and food, especially in confectionery.

For children, the figure is even lower - only 1.5 to 2 teaspoons. And while adults can still control its intake, it is more difficult with children. Babies love sweet candy, and getting them to drink bitter tea is a real problem.

Composition and Calories

Sugar is a carbohydrate found in many foods and has "many names." In milk it is useful for the body lactose, in fruits and berries - fructose. It contains many useful macro-and micronutrients such as calcium, iron, sodium and potassium as well as B vitamins. Unrefined cane sugar is also rich in phosphorus, zinc and vitamin C, among other things.

The caloric value of sugar is 400 kcal per 100 grams of product. Agree, this is not a small figure, especially when you consider how much sugar we consume in a day, eating a piece of cake or drinking a cup of sweet tea.

How Sugar Benefits

General Benefits

Many people know about the harm of sugar, so there are more supporters of its negative effects. But it is worth remembering about its positive qualities, which can play a not insignificant role for health when consuming the sweet in the right amounts. It is also important what to take sugar from - fruits and berries are preferable. The sugar in these products is easier for the body to absorb.

Sugar, thanks to its generous caloric content, is an excellent supplier of energy. Not for nothing is it added on a par with caffeine in energizers used for vigor.

Sugar obtained industrially stimulates some human organs, such as the liver. The addition of sugar to food improves blood circulation in the brain, and the pancreas begins to produce insulin, which contributes to the release of the happiness hormone serotonin.

For women

For the female sex, an even greater joy will come from the fact that sugar can be used to make a large number of useful skin scrubs and masks that nourish the skin and reduce skin inflammation.

For Men

The high carbohydrate content of sugar provides the body with extra energy. Therefore, products with added sugar will help to quickly recharge during large physical exertion, giving the body strength and energy. But it is worth remembering about the allowable norms, because sugar's benefits can easily be transformed into harm.

When pregnant

Consumption of drinks with the addition of cane sugar will help to reduce swelling and relieve toxicosis. The best help is a drink with the addition of sugar and a small amount of ginger (it should be used once a day) - it is effective in reducing the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, improves metabolism and digestion.

When breastfeeding

When breastfeeding, you should also replace beet sugar with cane sugar. It contains more useful substances than ordinary sugar, which will be transmitted through the milk to the baby. Sugar promotes the production of the happiness hormone, which helps you to recover faster after childbirth.

The allowable dose for breastfeeding women is 2-3 teaspoons.

For kids

Sugar consumption in the right doses is good for children. The rapid breakdown of carbohydrates and their conversion into energy will give children extra strength, especially since they are very mobile at an early age. Sugar has beneficial effects on several functions of the child's body, one of which is improving brain function. Moreover, a sweet product will improve a child's mood.

The acceptable daily rate of sugar for a child is 1-2 teaspoons.

When losing weight

Despite the widespread opinion that the complete elimination of sugar from the diet promotes weight loss, studies have confirmed the other. When consuming sugar in permissible amounts (30 g per day) a person is also able to lose weight. Fats will have a much worse effect on the figure.

What can replace sugar when losing weight?

When a person begins to follow a proper diet or diet, the question begins to arise - is it possible to use sugar? Many people are inclined to the negative answer, since the high consumption of sugar can lead to extra pounds, and through them - to more serious problems and diseases. Nowadays, there are many sugar substitutes, sweeteners, and so on. But even their choice should be taken very responsibly, because they can also be harmful to health.

There are two types of sugar substitutes - synthetic and natural. The less harmful and more beneficial are, of course, natural ones, the most popular of which are fructose and sorbitol.

Fructose is found in large quantities in fruits and berries, and doctors often recommend it to diabetics. Given its good digestibility, it is also useful for children and the elderly and those who watch their figure, as fructose does not lead to weight gain.

Sorbitol is made from corn starch, but there is also a lot of it in mountain ash (it was originally extracted from the berries of this plant). The caloric value is 4 kcal/g, which is not different from ordinary sugar. It is not inferior to sugar in terms of sweetness, but it is better assimilated by the body and does not lead to extra pounds due to the fact that it is not a carbohydrate. Also one of the advantages of sorbitol is the fact that it is an excellent nutrient medium for beneficial intestinal microflora producing B vitamins. Sorbitol can be safely added to drinks, baked goods and other food products that require sugar.

Other natural sweeteners include maple syrup and the recently gaining popularity of topinambur products - its syrup can also be used as a sugar substitute. They can also be substituted in baked goods because they are heat resistant.

But still the most popular and beloved by all is honey, which contains a lot of microelements, useful for the human body. It can be called the most useful and affordable sweetener for everyone.

Among synthetic sweeteners are aspartame and cyclamate. They are much sweeter than sugar, so their consumption is much lower. They do not affect the figure on the scales and are not harmful to health.

Cane sugar: Benefits and harms

Cane sugar is practically the most useful of all its brethren, especially unrefined brown sugar. The positive difference from beet sugar is the fact that it is not purified and is not treated with caustic lime, so it contains more useful substances.

1. Antioxidant benefits. Because of its plant origin, cane sugar is rich in antioxidants that resist infection and strengthen the immune system. The antioxidant properties come from its high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which act as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy and antiviral agents. Antioxidants also prevent cancer risk because they can affect free radicals. The minerals in sugar and the alkaline environment of the product also prevent cancer.
2. Support for the human immune system. The content of calcium, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and a variety of vitamins supports wellness. It counteracts cancer and stabilizes blood sugar levels in people with fever, cleanses the urinary system, heart, kidneys, brain, eyes and sex organs, while reducing harmful cholesterol as well as triglycerides in the body. The product provides relief for a variety of ailments. Sugarcane itself is high in B vitamins, inorganic salts and organic acids such as fumaric, succinic, citric and malic acids.
3. A safe energy supplement. Consuming drinks with its addition and with a few drops of lemon provides energy for the whole day due to its high caloric content.
4. Eliminates skin problems. Alpha-hydroxy acid, found in sugar cane products, is good for the skin. The substance prevents the appearance of acne, reduces the inflammation of existing ones, moisturizes the skin and prevents aging. Therefore, cane sugar masks are very useful.
5. Dental Health. Unlike other sugars, cane sugar does not affect the occurrence of tooth decay. The large amount of minerals in it and its products prevent tooth decay, and it also limits problems with bad breath.

But you should not forget about its harm. The fact is that in large quantities cane sugar leads to diabetes, and sometimes - and hypertension. Therefore, it is necessary to consume it in moderation and do not forget about the possible harm.

The benefits and harms of coconut sugar

Coconut sugar is produced with minimal heat treatment, so it retains all its useful properties and substances. Such a product contains B vitamins, zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, as well as useful amino acids and antioxidants. It is less harmful to the figure and health in general than beet sugar. The reason for this is the low level of the glycemic index, which indicates the rate of breakdown of sugar in the blood and its conversion into glucose. If it is broken down quickly, glucose can cause fat formation. When ingested slowly, glucose serves as a source of energy, not a new fat layer. Such a product is better and healthier for the body. Despite this obvious advantage, the caloric value of coconut sugar is just as high and does not differ from regular sugar. Therefore, when leading a sedentary lifestyle, it will not be possible to maintain a figure even taking into account the positive glycemic index of coconut sugar.

Still, it is worth remembering that coconut sugar is a carbohydrate, and it is not desirable for people with diabetes.

Liquid grape sugar: benefits and harms

As in the case of coconut sugar, for the production of grape sugar also does not use heat treatment, and all the useful components of the applied raw materials remain in the product of its processing. It will contain vitamins C, K (which is rarely found in sugar and is very useful for the body), A and group B. Among macro- and micronutrients are copper - there is more of it in grape sugar than in other sugars.

Antioxidants - flavonoids and quarticin - the last has an anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effect on unwanted viruses and bacteria. When consumed in moderation, liquid grape sugar can improve digestion and lower blood cholesterol levels.

Liquid grape sugar can often be found in commercial products. It can be added to the regular diet, as well as to sports and children's food, which makes it a good and useful sweetener.

But to get the maximum benefit from it, you need to remember about the daily rate of its consumption: for an adult it is 5 teaspoons, for children - two times less.

The benefits of burnt sugar

Everyone has tried a caramel rooster on a stick as a child. This sweet lollipop is nothing but burnt sugar. And with the right amount of consumption such a lollipop is not just safe for the body, it is even useful.

Burnt sugar effectively helps with dry coughs, so it can be given in moderate amounts to children sick with colds - it will become a kind of sweet medicine. Such caramel helps relieve sore throats and irritation of mucous membranes. Moreover, sugar slightly changes the composition of the mucus, due to which it comes out when coughing with all the cold viruses and bacteria.

But it is worth remembering about individual intolerance. For example, in people with hypersensitivity, burnt sugar can only worsen the situation and increase the cough due to additional throat irritation.

Diabetics are also not recommended to eat it, because the caloric value during heat treatment does not change, and the contained carbohydrates can affect blood glucose levels.

Sugar in medicine

For Diabetes Mellitus

Not at all stages of diabetes, doctors forbid the use of sugar - its amount is simply reduced. Grape sugar is recommended for diabetes, as it has a low glycemic index compared to regular or cane sugar. But its amount should be strictly controlled and not go beyond what is permissible. Still, some doctors advise replacing sugar with naturally occurring sweeteners.

Important: The glycemic index of white sugar is 70 units, brown sugar 55.

In pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, so the choice of diet at such times should be approached correctly. Carbohydrates require a lot of effort for digestion, because the entire load in this case falls on the digestive organs. Therefore, doctors recommend refraining from eating sweets and taking advantage of natural sweeteners.

Gastritis

Gastritis is also an inflammatory process, only in this case the mucosa of the walls of the stomach suffers. As in the previous case, it is better to give up sugar and get carbohydrates from natural sweets.

For the intestines

Consumption of sugar in reasonable quantities is beneficial to the intestinal microflora, since the product is a kind of source of food for microorganisms. Of all types, grape and cane sugar are the most beneficial.

When constipation occurs.

When a person is constipated, you need to understand that this is caused by intestinal disorders. Therefore, it is not necessary to load it with additional work in the form of breaking down carbohydrates. At such moments, it is better to give up sweets and give preference to fermented dairy products, which improve the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

In case of gout

With gout, there is a deposition of uric acid in the body. Sugar, of course, does not contribute to its formation, but prevents its excretion. Therefore, with gout, it is advised to give up sugar in any form.

In colitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the colon is called colitis. For many diseases associated with the disruption of the healthy functioning of the organs involved in digestion, doctors advise eating simple foods. It should not bring strain to digestion. Sugar, despite the content of easily digestible carbohydrates, does not belong to such food, so its consumption should be minimized.

For the liver

The liver is actively involved in metabolism, on the correct operation of which depends on the risk of diabetes. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the amount of sweetness consumed, because its excess can disrupt the mechanism of the liver and lead to many diseases.

At hemorrhoids.

The appearance of hemorrhoids can be affected by increased intra-abdominal pressure, which often occurs even with abdominal bloating. When consuming large amounts of sweets, flatulence is a common problem because bacteria release carbon dioxide when they break down carbohydrates. Therefore, uncontrolled eating of sweets can lead to a worsening of the disease.

In cholecystitis.

Cholecystitis is an infectious disease of the gallbladder. Inflammation is promoted by unwanted bacteria and viruses. The most pleasant food for all bacteria is known to be sugars and their carbohydrates (remember microbiology - all nutrient media are prepared on the basis of carbohydrates). Therefore, in any bacteriological diseases, it is worth reducing the consumption of sugars to a minimum, so as not to create a favorable environment for their development.

Sugar in cosmetology

For Face

Many people have seen facial scrubs with obvious flecks of sugar in the mixture. And if such masks can be made at home and for a lower price, why pay more? All the more, the fact that you will know the composition of the mask will be an additional advantage.

1. Scrub mask of sugar with lemon. Such a mask will get rid of rashes, as well as give the skin a fresh and moisturized. Its preparation is very simple. You need to mix two tablespoons of sugar with lemon juice in the same amount. Softly rub the mixture on the problem areas of the skin and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. This scrub can be used every day.
2. Scrub mask with sugar and honey. Such a scrub is suitable for all skin types. For its preparation you will need a few spoonfuls of sugar and honey in equal quantities. Mix the components thoroughly, apply the mixture to the skin and keep the mask for 10 minutes. Scrub rinse with warm water. The procedure can be repeated up to 3 times a week. This mask can be used not only for face skin, but also for the body. It is a good anti-cellulite remedy.

For hair

Like the face and body, the scalp also needs to exfoliate from keratinized cells, as well as to get rid of excess grease and dandruff.

To make a scrub, it is enough to mix sugar and regular hair balm and massage the scalp.

The best means to accelerate hair growth is a mask with mustard. For its preparation, you need the following components: 1 tablespoon mustard powder, the same amount of sugar, water, olive oil and one egg yolk. All ingredients should be mixed and rubbed into the scalp. Head should be wrapped with a towel and left for 20 minutes (no longer than necessary, because mustard can burn the skin and the effect will be the opposite of the desired), then rinse with warm water. The procedure should be repeated two times a week.

For the body

1. Body scrub. On the basis of sugar you can make a good body scrub. It is enough to add sugar crystals to the shower gel to exfoliate keratinous cells. If you use unrefined cane sugar, you can feel the pleasant and sweet aroma of molasses.
2. Body Lotion. Few people know, but powdered sugar can be used for more than just baking. For dry and chapped skin, you can make a body lotion on its basis - just mix the powder with olive oil and apply the mixture to the skin for 15-20 minutes, then wash off the lotion with water.

Health Hazards and Contraindications

The main harm of sugar is that it, absorbed in the blood, quickly raises blood glucose levels. Then the blood glucose level drops just as quickly. Such spikes in glucose can lead to gaining extra pounds (since the product contains only empty calories) or, even worse, to diabetes.

Everyone probably remembers that dentists advise not to consume too much sugar, because it is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, the reproduction of which contributes to the development of tooth decay.

Overconsumption of sugar and sugary foods (think of Coca-Cola) can lead to heart problems, immune system problems, blood pressure spikes, and, strange as it may seem, nervousness (because sweets usually improve mood, but only in reasonable amounts).

It is for this reason that the optimal amount of sugar per day is 10 teaspoons. This data is given both taking into account the pure sugar that is added to tea or coffee, and taking into account the already bought sweet products - cake, cookies, juices, and so on. Therefore, if you want to eat a piece of cake, you should refuse to add sugar to tea.

Can you be allergic to sugar

An allergy to sugar itself is practically non-existent, but cases of intolerance to certain types of these products do occur. Usually the allergic reaction is due to the inability of the body to digest sugar and is manifested by nausea, flatulence or diarrhea.

The most common sugar allergy is lactose intolerance.

How to choose and store sugar

When choosing sugar, you should pay attention to the date of packaging, the presence of extraneous inclusions and the country of manufacture (correlate it with the type of product chosen). It is better to give preference to unrefined sugar, because due to the peculiarities of its production in it remains more useful substances.

Sugar should be stored in a dry, humid room at a temperature of 15°C. Packaged sugar should preferably be kept in a glass container with a lid. It can retain its properties for up to 10 years if the conditions are observed.

How to make sugar at home

Making sugar at home is quite simple. You need only one ingredient - sugar beets.

1. To begin with, wash the beets, clean them from dirt, then cut them into small cubes, put them in a saucepan and pour water so that the liquid covers them completely.
2. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat and cook the beets until they soften.
3. Then take off the pan from heat and filter the beet juice with gauze. You should boil it until it becomes thick like caramel.
4. Put the syrup obtained in a plastic or glass container and put it in a dark cool place. As it cools, the syrup will form crystals, which later need to be crushed into small grains, similar to ordinary granulated sugar.

What you can make from sugar: Recipes

Cotton candy

Of course, homemade cotton candy will not look like what we are used to seeing from the machine - it is more like caramelized strings. But with this recipe you can please children and yourself at any time of the year. Progress, however, has now reached the point that the machine for making cotton candy can be purchased at home - it will be a small size, compact drum. Let's look at both ways of making sweet dessert.

Cooking cotton candy in a pot.
To do this, you will need the following ingredients:

• drinking water - 150 ml;
• granulated sugar - 400 gr;
• apple cider vinegar - 2 drops;
• Chinese stick (for twisting absorbent cotton) or other strong stick
• food coloring - as desired.

As a container for cooking, it is better to use a pot or saucepan.

Preparation:

1. Mix water, sugar and add to them a few drops of vinegar. Make sure that the sugar does not crystallize on the walls of the container. If you want colored cotton candy, you can add a little food coloring. You can also add essences of various flavors for flavor - it may be mint, orange, berries and many others.
2. Pour the resulting mixture into a saucepan and heat with constant stirring. Once the liquid comes to a boil, remove the pot from the heat and cool. When the syrup has reached room temperature, bring it back to the boil. And so five times. The syrup as a result should have a golden color and a sticky consistency.
3. To transform the cotton candy into thin strands, you should use a whisk. With unsophisticated movements - dipping and quickly lifting the whisk upwards - you need to twist the threads on the stick until you get a cap of the desired size.

Cooking cotton candy in a machine
The following ingredients will be needed:

• granulated sugar - 1 kg;
• corn syrup - 250 ml;
• drinking water - 250 ml;
• salt - a pinch;
• chopsticks (or something similar);
• food coloring, flavor extracts - as desired.

If using food coloring add 2 drops, and flavoring extract - 1 teaspoon.

Preparation:

1. Mix sugar, corn syrup, water and salt in a saucepan and stir until sugar is melted. It, by the way, can crystallize on the walls of the container, so it should be carefully removed from them.
2. Heat the mixture to 160 ° C, and then pour it into another shallow container with the addition of dye and extract.
3. Prepare the cotton candy machine. Pour the syrup onto the disc while spinning. From the heat, the syrup will begin to disintegrate into filaments, which should be collected and twisted on a stick.

The threads left on the walls can be used to make lollipops.

Lollipops

Making lollipops at home, you can experiment a lot with their appearance. This can be the usual candy rounds, in the form of various animals (if you use molds) or lollipops on the shelf, made from small sugar crystals.

Preparation of syrup for ordinary lollipops can be taken from the recipe for homemade cotton candy. It should be poured into molds, cool, wait for complete solidification, and voila - candy ready.

The preparation of lollipops on a stick - although it is a long process, but it can be interesting for both adults and children.

You need to prepare the following ingredients:

• water - 500 ml;
• granulated sugar - 800 gr;
• food coloring, flavoring extracts - as desired.

When using food coloring add 2 drops, and flavoring extract - 1 teaspoon. You will also need glass jars and string (you can use an ordinary wooden skewer stick).

Preparation steps:

1. Prepare glass jars - they should be thoroughly rinsed with hot water and dried.
2. Cut the cotton thread a few centimeters larger than the jar and fasten it so that the thread hangs down in the middle of the jar without touching the walls, 2-3 cm from the bottom. To position it in this way, you can wind it on a pencil, which should be placed on the neck so that the thread hangs down into the jar.
3. The thread should be moistened with water and dipped in sugar, thus giving the future crystals a platform for their formation.
4. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan, and gradually add sugar to it, 250 grams at a time, until it has dissolved. When all the added sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat.
5. If you are using food colorings and extracts, add all the ingredients to the syrup and mix thoroughly.
6. The syrup should be cooled at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then pour into jars so that the thread with the sugar was immersed in it.
7. Put the jars with syrup and string (sticks) in a cool place, protected from bright sunlight, and cover with food film.
8. The first crystals should appear in 4-5 hours. If there is no change after 24 hours, you need to boil the syrup again with more sugar and pour it back into the jar.
9. The candy will grow to its optimal size within 3 days. After taking the candy out of the jar, you need to give it 10 minutes to dry out and then enjoy the delicious candy.

How to get rid of sugar addiction

Getting rid of an addiction to sweets is very similar to getting rid of a smoking habit, so it should take place gradually. The new diet should not be made with a sharp exclusion of sugar from life, because the body needs to adapt and get used to the changes.

You need to identify the main source of sugar (perhaps a lot of Coca-Cola or a lot of sugary caramels) - and find a healthy alternative. You can first dilute purchased juices with water, making them less concentrated, and a little later abandon them, replacing them with freshly squeezed juices.

What can be used as a substitute?

It is better to replace sugar with its natural sources - fruits and berries (they are full of fructose), dairy products (many of them are rich in lactose). Then the body will not suffer from withdrawal cravings for sugary sodas and candy. Try replacing the lollipop with a date - the same sweetness, but the benefits are much greater.

Can we give sugar to pets?

The answer to this question is unequivocally no. Animals whose diet is mostly meat (i.e. of animal origin) cannot properly digest vegetable carbohydrates. Therefore, treating your dog or cat with a piece of chocolate candy, the owner may harm their health.

The first problem is the possibility of obesity, since their digestion process is very slow and the glucose will be deposited in fat. The second problem is a digestive disorder, since the amount of carbohydrates contained in the sweet, their body is not able to digest. And in some cases, the use of sugar can also cause poisoning. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the diet of your four-legged friend.

Interesting facts about sugar

1. The first crystallized sugar (as we know it) was obtained centuries ago from sugar cane. As far back as 336 B.C., they were able to obtain it in India.
2. Sugar is an excellent fuel. If you mix it with saltpeter and corn syrup, it can fuel a small rocket. Incredible, but true.
3. The first sweetener was created by accident and was supposed to be an insecticide.
4. It is not sugar that destroys teeth, but bacteria that feed on carbohydrates. Therefore, any other food rich in carbohydrates will provoke tooth decay just as well as sugar.
5. Sugar addiction is a genetic change associated with the hunger hormone ghrelin, which makes people crave sweets.
6. Carbonated beverages can contain up to 100 grams of sugar - 3 times the daily allowance.

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