5 Facts About Sugar You Probably Didn't Know
Sugar is among the most addictive substances around the world, causing considerable damage to people’s health, weight and overall fitness.
Truth is, almost everyone craves the occasional sugary treat, even though deep down they know it’s bad news for their health.
Actually, sugar wasn’t always known as sugar. Several centuries back, it was called sweet-salt and was only available to the super rich. But today, the world produces well over 150 million tons of the sweet stuff every single year [huh? is that a football stadium? Can it fit into the empire state building? Perhaps 5 of them?]
Right, so below are 5 facts about sugar you probably didn’t know…and luckily, not all of them are bad news, Ok? Great!
1: Crystallized sugar has been around for a while
As far back as 2000 years ago, people in India have been crystallizing cane sugar. Surprisingly, this version of sugar wasn’t available in the western counties for quite a long time -- which is why Alexander the Great's army marveled when they found sugar in India. Particularly, they were amazed at how honey could be produced without bees.
2: Sugar can be used as rocket fuel
Yeah, you read right! Sugar is the main component present in the fuel used in rockets by amateur rocket scientists. How? Well, if you burn sucrose with some corn syrup/saltpeter, you’d end up with sugar propellant used to power small rockets. Amazing, right? Absolutely!
3: Many foods contain unexpected amounts of sugar
There are the usual culprits when it comes to foods with high amounts of sugar. For instance, you know you’ve to cut back on cakes, ice cream and candy if you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake…but did you know that sugar is also present in bread, ketchup and processed foods? Eating 16 sugar cubes at a go may be something you’d probably not do, but it’s actually the exact same as downing a 20-ounce bottle of Cola
4: Sugary drinks may end up killing you
According to a study carried out in the year 2013, an estimated 200,000 deaths occur yearly from consuming high sugar drinks and soda, worldwide. How come? That’s because a single can of regular cola contains more than 12 sugar cubes. Do the math!
5: Sugar has zero nutritional value
Actually, it’s got negative nutritional value. Why? Well, unlike whole foods, table sugar doesn’t bring the nutrients needed for metabolism to the table. Instead, it initiates the excretion of calcium and magnesium via urine. So, for the 4 calories per gram of energy it gives, it takes away essential vitamins and minerals that provoke deficiencies.
So, there you have it!
As you’ve seen, there’s more to sugar than you know.
Pro Tip: Check the labels of all the items you pick off the store and take note of how much sugar it contains. Guess what? You’re in for a big surprise!
Want more surprising facts about sugar? Great! Hook up Jeremy as he serves up some extra juicy knowledge on the sweet stuff, in this wellness video right here -- and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button. Did you find this piece interesting or helpful? Tag us @nestednaturals and use hashtag #SleepWakeThrive -- we’d love to hear from you!