Guess what food item this is! The FDA labels it as Cholesterol Free, Fat Free, Sodium Free, No Artificial Ingredients, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, No Artificial Preservatives Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, 5 Ingredients or Less, among other labels.

This must be a miracle food with all these healthy descriptions! Is it a vegetable like lettuce, broccoli, or asparagus? Is it an apple, blueberries, or an exotic fruit? Or is it something that can turn your health upside down?

These FDA food labels apply to cane sugar, also described as “pure, white and deadly”.

Too much and chronic intake of dietary sugar is linked to coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic syndrome, and much more.

Sugar causes cholesterol problems, increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (pain and inflammation), reduced insulin sensitivity, high blood sugar, increased fat (abdominal, visceral, and skeletal) tissue, and increased liver fat.

It also causes hippocampal (brain-limbic system) dysfunction, brain inflammation, reduced BDNF – a major brain repair compound, changes in the neurotransmitter dopamine, and disruptions to the gut microbiome. It causes cognitive decline, poor attention, difficulty learning, poor cognitive flexibility, depression, anxiety, increased suicide risk, and neurodegeneration, i.e. brain damage! Excessive and prolonged consumption of added sugar comes with a price.

Not all food products with labels that point out “healthy choices” are truly healthy. Something to think about!

Additional resources to reflect on:

New Research Links Cancer to Sugar Intake

National Nutrition Month: How Nutritious Is Your Diet?

Liver Health and Weight Management

Berberine Naturally Helps Metabolic Health

Ozempic Side Effects Include Pancreatitis, Stomach Paralysis, Thyroid Cancer

Chromium: A Trace Mineral for Blood Sugar and Carbohydrate Cravings 

Your Sweet Tooth Adversely Impacts Gut and Brain Health

Global Warning on Obesity: Kids at Greatest Risk

Is Your Immune System Support Nutrient Rich or Sugar Overloaded?

A1C Made Simple: Your Guide to Keeping Blood Sugar in Check