Many people believe that sugar is fattening and causes obesity.
Sugar is a carbohydrate, and all carbohydrates provide 4 kilocalories per gram. High fat, not sugar, intakes are associated with a greater risk of obesity. Fat is a more concentrated source of energy, and provides 9 kilocalories per gram. However, many foods high in sugar, such as doughnuts and cookies, are also high in fat.
Excess energy intake from any source will cause obesity, but sugar by itself is no more likely to cause obesity than starch or protein. You see, though our labels are now touting “low fat” or fat-free products, consumers equate fat-free with calorie-free and eat more of these foods! These products might be fat free, but most are higher sugar content, which makes any calorie savings negligible!
Risk factors for heart disease include a genetic predisposition, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes, and obesity. Sugar by itself does not cause heart disease. However, if intake of high-sugar foods contributes to obesity, then risk for heart disease increases. In addition, excessive intake of refined sugar can alter blood lipids in carbohydrate-sensitive people, increasing their risk for heart disease. However, a high fat intake is more likely to promote obesity than a high sugar intake. Thus, total fats, saturated fat, cholesterol, and obesity have a significantly more important relationship to heart disease than sugar.
So the next time you want to blame Sugar for a fat society, blame instead, the Burgers, the French Fries, the Deep Fried Chicken and the Nachos!
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