Sweet Saturday

Hey Sweeties!

We all know how difficult it is to be a sweet-tooth. I am a BIG sweet-tooth, ever since and it is really hard for me to ban this devil from my life! Anyone else feeling the same way? 

If you take a look around your kitchen, are you aware of all the places the sweet-devil is lurking? You will probably find 'him' in places you would never expect it to be.

I give you a little hint: 

Read the ingredients on your favorite breakfast cereals, breads, crackers, junk foods. 

Sugar is like crack, and I know what I am talking about, I am a real sugar-addict! Manufacturers know that, so they add sugar to their products to keep you coming back for more!

But what is this evil sweetness?

To keep it simply, it is the juice from the sugar cane plant. I know this sounds pretty 'healthy' because it includes the word ,,plant'. If you eat it in moderation and in its raw and simplest form it won't harm you. The problem is that all its healthy enzymes, fibers, vitamins and minerals are being destroyed during the refining process. 

Let me illustrate this process for you:

1. To extract the juice, the can is pressed 
2. To get a thick and crystallized form , the juice is being boiled.
3. Then it is centrifuged to remove the syrup.
4. After that, the sugar is washed and filtered to remove any non-sugar materials and to decolorize it. That's what makes your sugar white. If you have the brown 'cane sugar', it is actually the same thing, the only difference is, that it hasn't been 'washed'.
5. Finally the crystallized sugar is dried and packaged. 

So not only has refined sugar 0 nutritional values but it also makes you addicted to several foods. 

What about a small list about the side effects of refined and crystallized sugar?

• hypoglycemia
• overgrowth
• weakened immune system
• hyperactivity
• ADS 
• hyperactivity
• enlargement of the liver and kidney
• increase in uric acid 
• mental & emotional disorders
• dental cavities
• imbalance of neurotransmitters in your brain
• makes you fat, WOW what a surprise, isn't it?

Here is a list where you can find refined sugars :

• cane juice
• sucanat
• brown rice syrup
• barley malt syrup
• rapadura syrup
• turbinado syrup
• raw sugar
• beet sugar
• date sugar
• maple syrup
• molasses
• blackstrap molasses

Another badass that finds its way into tons of foods is high fructose cone syrup. You'll find this little asshole in juices, soda, beer, yogurt, energy bars, cookies, candies, breads and even in frozen goods. 

I don't want to start a riot or want you to give up eating cookies or whatsoever, I am only suggesting that you should better consume natural and healthier alternatives for refined sugars.

Here are some of these alternatives:

• agave nectar/syrup

Agave syrup or nectar is high in nutrients which can also be beneficial for your health as it doesn't contain any processing chemicals and the raw version even contains a lot of vitamins and minerals. You can use it in EVERY recipe to replace refined sugars

agave syrup

• stevia (yep you heard right!)

I know that a lot of people keep think that stevia is some unhealthy chemical s***, but that's not true! Those people , unfortunately, are just victims of the sugar industry. I am sorry to say that but that's the truth!Stevia was tested on lab rats, and as far as I know, I am not a rat, nor do I have the same DNA as a rat. So scientists are not sure if stevia could be a cause for cancer in humans.

Stevia actually is derived from a plant found in Paraguay. YES a plant!

Japanese people have been using this sweetener for decades and South Americans even for centuries. Stevia balances your blood-sugar level, reduces cravings for sweets, even helps with your digestion and is known for its antimicrobial properties. 

This NATURAL, HERBAL sweetener has 0 calories , no glycemic index and is even safe for diabetics!

You know why some people think that it is unhealthy? Because the food and drug industry wants us to think that!

the stevia plant

Now that you know all the GOOD things about natural sweeteners and the truth about cane/brown or refined sugar, let me tell you another thing: 

STOP CONSUMING THINGS THAT CONTAIN ASPARTAME!!! 

I think that almost everyone knows what aspartame is?

It's the 'thing' that gives your diet-soad and sugar-free foods a natural sweet taste! 

Aspartame is the biggest f***er in the world!

It has been denied EIGHT TIMES by the health autorities before it was 'approved' to be used for foods or drinks!

Here are some quotes from differentt doctors and professors:

- 1975, on Searle's testing methods of aspartame:

'had never seen anything as bad as Searle's testing' says Phillip Brodsky, who also thinks that the test results have been 'manipulated'.

- 1977, again on Searle's testings:

'knowingly misrepresenting findings and concealing material facts and making false statements in aspartame safety tests''

-1980, by the FDA:

'not been presented with proof of reasonable certainty that aspartame is safe for use as a food additive'

I could go on but the list is too long!
So many people have become sick from aspartame, that even groups were formed to support aspartame victims.

Let me list the very frightening side effects of aspartame:

• memory loss
• nerve cell damage
• migraines
• reproductive disorders
• mental confusion
• brain lesion
• blindness
• joint pain
• alzheimer's
• bloating
• nervous system disorders
• hair loss
• food cravings
• weight GAIN!

If this won't stop you from consuming foods or drinks containing aspartame then nobody can help you!

Bottom line:

Fruits=good

Natural Sweeteners=good

Refined sugars= BAD

Aspartame= I think I have said enough about that, didn't I? 

Of course you can enjoy your cookies, juices or whatsoever, I just recommend that you should take a look at the ingredients before you buy something!

I have learned from it and I am trying to buy as many raw and organic foods and drinks as possible!

Have a sweet weekend!