From Ancient Delight to Daily Poison that Destroys Your Visual and Physical Health
Sugar has undergone a dark and lethal metamorphosis: from an exotic, medicinal luxury, it has become an omnipresent and dangerous threat, hidden in almost all processed products. This enemy disguised as sweetness is devastating health, especially eye health. Below, we will explore how the transition from the sugar of yesteryear to today's refined poison has triggered a silent crisis, impacting your body in ways you never imagined.
The Transformation of Sugar: From Natural Energy to Lethal Additive
In ancient times, sugar was a source of energy rich in minerals and antioxidants thanks to its molasses content, which included Calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.. But modern sugar, the product of extreme refining, has been stripped of all nutritional virtue, being reduced to pure sucrose. This change has turned it into an empty element, devoid of any health benefits.
Traditional Sugar vs. Refined Sugar: A Clash of the Titans
Nutritional Composition:
Traditional Sugar: It retained essential minerals that could even boost health.
Current Refined Sugar: Pure sucrose with no nutritional value.
Impact on the Body:
Traditional Sugar: Provided energy and minerals, providing moderate benefits.
Current Refined Sugar: Causes glucose spikes and metabolic disorders, wreaking havoc on the body.
Perception and Uses:
Traditional Sugar: Used with medicinal reverence.
Refined Sugar Today: An invisible additive in food and beverages, a death trap for health.
Visual Diseases Caused by Refined Sugar Consumption
The abuse of refined sugar takes a heavy toll, affecting eye health with devastating diseases that can lead to blindness. The most common ones include:
Diabetic Retinopathy Refined sugar is the prelude to type 2 diabetes, which in turn triggers diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can cause irreversible blindness.
Glaucoma High sugar consumption increases insulin and glucose levels, increasing the risk of glaucoma, an insidious condition that destroys the optic nerve.
Macular Degeneration High glucose triggers oxidative damage that degrades the macula, leading to loss of detailed vision.
Cataracts High glucose levels cause a buildup of sorbitol in the lens, clouding it and contributing to the formation of cataracts.
Dry Eye Dehydration caused by excess sugar can lead to dry eye syndrome, causing chronic discomfort and blurred vision.
Sugar in Natural Medicines: The Price of Sweetness
Traditional medicines warn of the dangers of refined sugar and offer alternatives:
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Excess sugar causes imbalances that affect the liver and spleen, causing photophobia and blurred vision.
Ayurveda: This sugar unbalances the doshas and contributes to the accumulation of toxins, leading to eye problems.
Homeopathy: Sugar is seen as a poison for the nervous system, weakening ocular circulation and increasing inflammation.
Recommendations of Natural Medicines versus Official Medicines
Natural medicines warn: if you want to avoid the destructive effects of refined sugar, opt for purer, more natural alternatives. The WHO may suggest limits, but ancient traditions recommend avoiding it almost entirely. Prioritize minimally processed sugar sources adapted to your energy needs.
Article written by Beatrice Pieper , general coordinator of the International Institute of Visual Health
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