Refined Sugar: Cancer’s Fast Food

Sugar cane was one of the first domesticated crops as part of the birth of agriculture some 12,000 years ago, which redefined diets, and helped eliminate the Paleo lifestyle of hunting and gathering. Since it humble beginnings in New Guinea sugar production has become a billion dollar industry, with the average American consuming almost 5 ounces of sugar a day, with much of that as “hidden” sugar in processed foods: primarily soft and sports drinks, candy, bakery items, but also snacks, condiments, bread, sauces and ice cream.

What kind of sugar? Mainly sucrose (refined sugar), but also glucose and high-fructose. And that is important to know, because these sugars cause tremendous insulin spikes, unlike the levels of fructose found naturally in fruits. And insulin is what cancer eats. In fact, cancer can actually hijack the insulin production of other cells and make them produce it just for them.

So in addition to weight gain and diabetes, cancer is also related to your refined sugar intake. Eliminating these sugar cravings and weeding out hidden sugars is not easy. It requires smart avoidance strategies and food product education.

Read every label of the food you buy. It will always tell you if there is sugar. It will usually be the first or second ingredient since ingredients are listed in the order of their percent in the product. A separate nutritional chart will actually show you the amount of sugar in the product (28g equals an ounce.) Many restaurants now list the sugar content on their menu (a plain Caesar salad is normally safe), but dining out is rift with sugar intake potential.

So keep your sugar intake to the fructose in fruits only by avoiding even “healthy” choices that have refined sugar; increase your consumption of fresh, plant-based proteins and fats; and liberally add nutrient-rich superfoods like nuts and herbs. For instance, MUD, our vanilla, chocolate and coffee dairy free ice cream is a perfect example of a fruit sweetened treat that has some of the highest rated superfoods available. You’re mouth will love the taste. The rest of you will love the wellness.

The above information is for educational purposes only, and gathered from a variety of different sources. It should not be construed as medical advice, or as an endorsement of any particular product. Your healthcare provider is your best source for medical and nutritional direction, and should be consulted on any health decision you make.

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