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Whether it’s Halloween candy or the daily sweet snacks that surround us, Americans consume more sugar now than at any time in history. On average, Americans eat their own weight in sugar each year, plus at least 20 pounds of corn syrup. In 1915, the average person ate only 15 to 20 pounds of sugar per year.
The reason for the increase is mostly due to the high consumption of processed foods in the American diet, many of which contain added sugars in some form. Coupled with over-eating over a long period of time, sugar is considered one of the most harmful substances we consume.
Sugar has no nutritional value because it is stripped of vitamins, minerals and enzymes during the processing of the sugar cane or beet. Sugar only provides empty calories that are addictive. When we consume sweets or simple carbohydrates (such as white bread or a white potato), our blood sugar spikes initially, giving a sugar high or rush. But soon after, glucose levels fall, leading to a low energy crash. Lower glucose levels make us crave even more simple carbohydrates to restore our blood sugar levels.
Click here to learn more about the effects of sugar on health.
One of the harmful effects of sugar and other sticky refined carbohydrates is the problem of tooth decay. Sugar and sticky, starchy foods that break down like sugar (such as potato chips and French fries) leave bacteria on teeth that are converted to acids. A New York University Dental School study found that cooked starchy foods can remain on teeth longer than sugar.
The longer the acids remain on teeth, the more acid is produced. These acids eat away tooth enamel (the outer layer) by clinging to teeth, which begins the decaying process (leading to cavities) within 30 minutes after eating sugar or starchy foods.
While consuming a large amount of sugar and carbohydrates increases the likelihood of tooth decay, eating them frequently (during most meals or snacking in between meals), also increases the risks, particularly if you have poor oral hygiene habits and an unhealthy diet overall.
To prevent tooth decay, you must:
1) Avoid or limit sugars and starches (especially sticky carbohydrates)
2) Remove the bacteria and acids by brushing your teeth immediately after eating with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. If this isn’t possible, rinse your mouth a few times by drinking plain water to dilute the bacteria.
3) Have your teeth cleaned by a dentist regularly for the removal of plague and tartar, and consider fluoride treatments
Eating a healthy, balanced diet will also improve your dental health, especially calcium from milk and other dairy or fortified products, because it strengthens teeth and gums.
Sources: macrobiotics.co.uk, gather.com
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