Dr. McDougall's Health & Medical Center
 

  

Contact UsPrint View

 

Carbohydrates and Sugar

     
         
  Sugar is generally thought of as an intensely sweet-tasting substance that is highly refined and unhealthy. These highly concentrated carbohydrates affect the brain's chemistry and can lead to dependency. There are common myths about sugar; such as, sugar turns to fat, causing obesity and/or type-2 diabetes, and sugars have a high glycemic index. Simple sugars, especially fructose, will cause blood triglycerides to rise in sensitive people and make weight loss more difficult when they make up a significant part of one's diet. Refined sugars cause tooth decay and may lead to nutritional imbalances. However, when used in small amounts, simple sugars can enhance the enjoyment of the McDougall Diet without adverse consequences. Artificial sweeteners have few benefits and are not generally recommended. The glycemic index is a popular measurement of one quality of food that is over-rated and often causes people to make incorrect food choices. My best advice is to consume sugars in their natural forms found in unprocessed starches, vegetables and fruits.



Related Newsletter Articles (articles open in a new window)

 
 
Choose a topic you'd like to learn more about:

Do not take this information as personal medical advice. Do not change your diet if you are ill or on medication without the advice of a qualified health care provider (your physician, for example). More detailed information is found in The McDougall Program - 12 Days to Dynamic Health (Plume 1990) in your bookstore.
 

  Copyright (c) 2013 John A. McDougall, M.D., All Rights Reserved.

top of page ^