Research shows that a high sugar intake can lead to many problems in your body and mind. Dementia, cancer, heart problems, obesity and type 2 diabetes are just a few of the risks involved with eating too many sweets.
Dave Pepler, a well-known South African environmentalist, hosted a Science Cafe on the matter on 6 March. On the panel were Professor Riesa Pretorius, head of the department of physiological sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) , Doctor Theo Nell, digestive physiology lecturer and clinical epidemiology specialist, Dr Graham Ellis, physician and endocrinologist, and Professor Anna-Mart Engelbrecht, professor and senior lecturer in the SU physiological department.
They aimed to discuss the effects sugar can have on the body and mind for their audience.
Dr Theo Nell, Dr Graham Ellis, Dave Pepler, Professor Anna-Mart Englebrecht and Professor Riesa Pretorius in conversation – PHOTO: Woordfees Facebook page
“We’ve seen a global pandemic of obesity, which has spawned an epidemic of type 2 diabetes,” said Engelbrecht, who further added that the amount of obese people in South Africa is catching up with the rest of the world.
When posed the question of why the world is sitting with such an epidemic, especially as science has become so advanced, Ellis replied that the high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes are a consequence of a lack of regulation and “represents an incredible failure of our Healthcare system.”
The panel also discussed high sugar intake and the development of sugar addiction in individuals.
“Sugar addicts will binge, go through cravings and withdrawal, think about how you feel when you come home and your spouse has finished all the chocolate,” said Ellis.
Pretorius stated that there is a “prevalence of cancer and obesity in lower income families.”
“Only the rich can afford to be poor,” agreed Pepler.
When asked about sugar-free alternatives, the panel revealed that both sugar and non-nutritive sugar alternatives are harmful to the body and cause extreme oxidative stress on the system. They also said that this type of stress could lead to the development of a variety of mental and physical diseases and disorders.
Pretorius said that she recommends staying away from all sweeteners, but specifically targeted aspartame.
“Sugar-free products contain one of the worst inflamogens… aspartame.” She continued, saying “Although there are no kilojoules, it kills off all your probiotica.” Pretorius warned the audience to stay away from products with aspartame, and confirmed, when asked, that ingesting aspartame is one of the worst things you could do to your body.
Some audience members were critical of this harsh opinion on sugar, blaming many aspects of poor lifestyle such as smoking and lack of exercise as contributors.
The panel replied that there is a lack of knowledge about the long term consequences of diets and health choices. And that people are too closely focused on losing weight loss rather than long term health effects.
“The first thing we teach students in physiology is balance. Dietary habits are important.” said Nell.
The general consensus from the panel was that people should aim to stay away from sugar and sugar alternatives, and to listen to their own body and listen to what it needs.