Tag Archives: sugar

Is Agave Nectar Healthy?

Posted on March 6, 2010 by continuum wellness| Leave a comment

Sugar is over consumed in the West and its over consumption is an underlying cause of numerous ailments. In a search for ‘healthy sweeteners’ agave nectar will inevitably surface on the list. Agave nectar is touted as suitable for diabetics and is seen as a healthy alternative to highly refined sugars. However there are differing points of view. The following article is written by the Nourished Kitchen. It offers food for thought.

When Natural Foods Aren’t Natural: Agave Nectar
Agave nectar seems to be taking the health and natural foods communities by storm. Why wouldn’t it? After all, it’s labeled as a “natural” sweetener. It’s not sugar. It’s not high fructose corn syrup. It’s mildly flavored and can therefore be used in a variety of recipes unlike honey or maple syrup with their unique flavors that can overpower a mild-flavored dish. And it’s proponents are quick to point out that that it’s lower on the glycemic index than other sweeteners. (more…)

Posted in diabetes, healthy eating, nutrition, wellness, Western diet, women, women's health

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African American Women at Increased Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on August 10, 2008 by continuum wellness| 1 Comment

Type 2 diabetes is increasing as a health problem among African American women. in a follow up of a study began in 1995 59,000 African American women reported on their consumption of sugar sweetened beverages and the study shows that the beverages are a huge risk factor.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was higher with higher intake of both sugar-sweetened soft drinks and fruit drinks.

Conclusions Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and fruit drinks is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in African American women. While there has been increasing public awareness of the adverse health effects of soft drinks, little attention has been given to fruit drinks, which are often marketed as a healthier alternative to soft drinks.

(article)

Posted in African American, diabetes, health care, healthy eating, women, women's health

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Why Are Our Children, Fat?

Posted on February 24, 2008 by continuum wellness| 2 Comments

A number of factors contribute to weight issues in children. These same concerns extend to adults also, though this article is concerned with children. According to a recent study of over 1,600 children it was found that a diet high in salt led to an increase in the amount of sugary beverages that were consumed.

The problem is that the “snack foods” add so much sodium to the resultant product it is tantamount to drinking sea water. As a parent or anyone that eats meat, you should know about

When cows are affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy one of the symptoms is that the cows are unable to stand. If you look at the video (beef recall) of the last major meat recall that hit the news, the cows were not able to stand. This meat was sold to the school lunch program…and who knows where.

Eating products high in salt causes in increase in the consumption of sugary beverages. If the salt wasn’t added the products would be inedible because of the lack of taste. However the true issue isn’t taste, these are not healthy foods, or even real food.

It is estimated that reducing the amount of daily salt eaten, causes a corresponding drop in drinking sugary drinks. The result is a reduction in about 250 calories per week, perhaps more. Arriving at a healthier weight is just one of the benefits of eliminating excess salt and processed foods. The article here.

Posted in children, diet, family, food, Health, health care, meat, nutrition, Uncategorized

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