Did you know?

• Refined sugar reduces the effectiveness of your white blood cells by 40 per cent
• Once is eaten, it starts working on your white blood cells in less than 30 minutes, with the effect lasting for up to five hours. 'The sugar work on the gut flora ( important for our immune system )',explains nutritionist Zoe Copsey. 'if our intake is excessive - which for most of us  it is- the sugar causes fermentation in our colon, killing off all natural bacteria, therefore weakening our immune system.'
• Refined sugar causes a sharp increase in the glucose levels in your blood, which then causes your body to work hard to reduce it again.
• Sugar produces a significant rise in your 'bad' cholesterol levels (LDL), while also causing a decrease in your 'good ' cholesterol levels (HDL). Copsey suggests this is because refined sugar lacks any vital minerals and vitamins, so it draws from our body's micro-nutrient reserves in order to b e metabolised into our system. Once these 'storehouses' are depleted, the metabolisation of cholesterol and fatty acids is impeded, meaning your body is unable to process good HDL and it is lowered which in turn increases your bad HDL.These are a damaging form of cholesterol and can lead to heart disease, arterial plague and rapid ageing of both the external and internal skin cells.
• Up to 70% of our immune system is located in the gut.'Sugar and refined carbohydrates feed any bad bacteria, creating an environment that is not beneficial for optimum digestion and absorption of food, which ultimately affects every aspect of our health', says nutritionist Alex Manos.

Excerpts from Metro (Body Matters),Monday, August 8, 2011