Comments on: A Field Guide to Sugars http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/food/2009/01/09/field-guide-to-sugars/ A Heaping Helping of Food News, Science and Culture Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:04:36 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Charles F. http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/food/2009/01/09/field-guide-to-sugars/comment-page-1/#comment-90 Charles F. Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:44:12 +0000 http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/food/?p=572#comment-90 It probably goes without saying, but eating sugary foods in excess can lead to a higher calorie intake, weight gain, etc. -- which, can cause more serious health problems like type 2 diabetes. Those who have health problems that stem from eating too much tend to have gotten themselves to that point by eating junk foods, or those high in fats and sugars. I think people like these foods because they’re convenient, and fats and sugars appeal to the senses (i.e. having a sweet tooth). The good folks in New York state aren't suggesting taking sugars away, but taxing them. In theory, the money goes toward treating those health complications caused by eating too many Twinkie-like foods, for example, or drinking liters of soda every week. More likely, the tax will go into a big black hole. In general, and in most cases, these problems could have been prevented by practicing moderation. Sugars are good, but too much of a good thing is a bad thing. It probably goes without saying, but eating sugary foods in excess can lead to a higher calorie intake, weight gain, etc. — which, can cause more serious health problems like type 2 diabetes. Those who have health problems that stem from eating too much tend to have gotten themselves to that point by eating junk foods, or those high in fats and sugars. I think people like these foods because they’re convenient, and fats and sugars appeal to the senses (i.e. having a sweet tooth).

The good folks in New York state aren’t suggesting taking sugars away, but taxing them. In theory, the money goes toward treating those health complications caused by eating too many Twinkie-like foods, for example, or drinking liters of soda every week. More likely, the tax will go into a big black hole.

In general, and in most cases, these problems could have been prevented by practicing moderation. Sugars are good, but too much of a good thing is a bad thing.

]]> By: sitta http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/food/2009/01/09/field-guide-to-sugars/comment-page-1/#comment-89 sitta Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:35:09 +0000 http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/food/?p=572#comment-89 Hah! "Remarkable intestinal chemistry experiments" indeed...Your oligosaccharide description finally explains my bodily reactions to eating seed-heavy dishes like mole--thanks! Hah! “Remarkable intestinal chemistry experiments” indeed…Your oligosaccharide description finally explains my bodily reactions to eating seed-heavy dishes like mole–thanks!

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