In the News - April 2008
Indulge in a little sugar from time to time
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Life without sugar is hard to imagine for some of us, and
if you know the facts, it is OK to give in to your sweet tooth occasionally,
says Lisa Gilmore, county extension agent with the University of Arkansas
Cooperative Extension Service in Garland County.
It's commonly believed that sugar is fattening and promotes obesity,
diabetes, heart disease and hyperactivity, yet sugar is not the culprit.
Sugar is a nutrient known as a carbohydrate, and there are two types of
carbohydrates - simple and complex. Whether in the form of candy, fruit, pasta,
bread, or a starchy baked potato, all carbohydrates are digested and broken down
by the body to become glucose, which is the body's primary source of energy. The
body doesn't recognize where glucose comes from - just that it is present.
"From a dietary standpoint, however, it does matter where the glucose came
from," Gilmore says. "Simple sugar generally provides only calories and no
significant nutrients."
She says scientists have found that lean people often eat more sugar than
overweight people, so sugar doesn't trigger weight gain. Genetics, lack of
exercise, too many calories and too much dietary fat are probable causes of
being overweight, not the intake of sugar, she says.
Many sugary treats (such as cake, ice cream, or chocolate) are also high in
fat, which is why they promote weight gain.
Genetics, rather than sugar intake, plays a major role in the development of
diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity,
and eating a healthy diet contribute more to preventing diabetes, Gilmore says.
In fact, the current American Diabetes Association guidelines allow simple
carbohydrates in the diabetic diet - keeping in mind that it is the amount of
carbohydrates in the diet, rather than the type of carbohydrate, that is the key
concern for diabetics, she says.
Many parents believe that too many sweets, like cake, candy, and cookies, can
cause their children to be hyperactive. The link between sugar and hyperactivity
has not been proven.
Some sugary snacks, such as chocolate and colas, may also contain caffeine
which may increase children's hyperactivity. Sugar does provide a rapid supply
of energy, but that does not necessarily mean it will make a child hyperactive.
"Now that you have the facts, indulge a little from time to time, but
remember that sugar provides calories and no significant nutrients," Gilmore
says.
For more information about how sugar fits into your diet or to obtain a free
copy of MyPyramid and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, please contact your
county extension agent or visit www.uaex.edu. The
Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
April 11, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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