Over the past few decades sugar  has been categorized as a tempting but hazardous ingredient, indulged in by the undisciplined and avoided by the virtuous. Expanding waistlines, increased health problems and hyperactivity in children were all chalked up to America’s increasing consumption of sugar. Recently, The New York Times featured an article detailing the ways in which this indulgence is being recast as a healthy alternative to synthetic and corn-based sweeteners — sugar’s days as a “bad guy” may be coming to an end, at least for now.

Fructose, otherwise known as high-fructose corn syrup, has replaced sugar as the sweetener that consumers are shunning.

Is this the right way to go? Is sugar really the healthier alternative? What are the health benefits of sugar?
Calorie content
Since total calorie intake is what will impact body fat levels and weight gain, it’s the first factor to assess when comparing two foods. Both fructose and sugar are forms of carbohydrate, and contain four calories per gram consumed. Both also lack dietary fiber (which goes partially undigested through the body) and are generally lacking in nutritious value. There’s not many health benefits of sugar or fructose here.

Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are both composed of glucose and fructose; the only difference is that high-fructose corn syrup has a higher degree of fructose in it by about 5%.
Impact on insulin and blood glucose levels
While total calorie content is important, it’s not the entire story. Different nutrients also have varying impacts on how we feel after we consume them, and that can impact how much we eat at mealtime.

Fructose wins the race when it comes to blood glucose levels, as it’s sent to the liver after consumption and has minimal impacts on insulin and blood sugar levels. This makes it a better option if you want to avoid the highs and lows typically associated with foods that contain pure glucose.

Sugar, while composed of partial fructose, will still send the glucose straight to the blood, causing insulin levels to increase while you experience a quick burst of energy.

Unfortunately, this burst of energy is frequently followed by a drop, which often just leaves you hungry and craving more. That, in turn, can cause you to consume more food during the day, increasing your calorie intake.

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Researchers found that people who eat nuts regularly have lower risks of heart disease. In 1996, the Iowa Women’s Healthy Study found that women who ate nuts >4 times a week were 40% less likely to die of heart disease. Two years later, another study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found a similar result in another group of women subjects. Furthermore, potential heart health benefits of nuts were also found among men. In 2002, the Physician’s Health Study found that men who consumed nuts 2 or more times per week had reduced risks of sudden cardiac death.
Nuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. They are rich in fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants such as Vitamin E and selenium.  Nuts are also high in plant sterols  and fat – but mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 – the good fats) which have all been shown to lower LDL cholesterol.

It’s not hard to see why Christopher Columbus called the papaya “the fruit of the angels.” One large papaya is packed with 235 milligrams of vitamin C-two to three times more than you RDA and is excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, and calcium. Believed to be native to southern Mexico and neighboring Central America, the papaya has two main varieties: Hawaiian and Mexican. You commonly see the Hawaiian or Solo papaya in supermarkets; it has a yellow peel and a bright-orange fleshy inside. Mexican papayas are usually much larger and less flavorful but still have the same nutritious qualities. Both varieties have edible round black seed in the middle-the spicy flavor is reminiscent of black pepper. The melon like fruit also contains papain, an enzyme that helps digestion and is used to tenderize meat. To eat this exotic fruit, slice it like a melon, scoop out the seed, and discard the peel. Mix it into a salsa, add to a smoothie, or just eat it as is.

These birds are suicidal. They situate in High tension wires which are very much dangerous to one’s well-being. You know what I mean, electricity+something=electricution. I’m kinda curious what are in birds that enable them to cling on High voltage wires. Birds are not grounded accordingly. For electrical current to flow, the circuit needs to go to the ground and since the birds are only touching the live wire, there is no flow of current through their bodies. Hmm? Is that the only reason? Maybe the keratin in their claws also prevent the current from flowing, it is insulated in short. Whatever the reason there is, I’m sure my cat wouldn’t care catching those birds on the wire. Right Orange?

My cat’s name is Orange by the way.

I recently had a business trip in Koronadal City, Philippines. It’s a wonderful place and lots of food to offer. One food for example are chocolate. I bought chocolate bar and “Tablea”- (chips of chocolates to be melted), from a store and it was tasty and so I realized this is worth blogging. The Chocolate according to the store owner are made from all natural organic cocoa. They are abundantly grown in the fertile soil of the province. Well after consuming some these chocolates I felt totally relax. Why? because chocolates contains flavanoids which balances the hormones of our body. Chocolates contains antioxidants known to protect the cells from free radicals. It is also known for being a stimulant, a dose of it could perk you up. Instead of coffee in the morning I just drink a concoction of chocolate made from Tablea and my day started well. If given a chance to go back in Koronadal City I will surely buy another set of their chocolate product.