Understanding Sugar and Vegetable Oils: A Modern Health Crisis
Introduction
Our modern diet is filled with an abundance of sugar at a depressed price due to the industrial adoption of High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), which comprises 45% glucose and 55% fructose. Table sugar is a 50/50 mix of glucose and fructose, and starches are polymers made up of many sugars, primarily glucose chains. While our bodies did co-evolve to consume fat and protein, we were not naturally selected to consume an excess of these sugars.
The Impact of Sugar
One of the primary concerns is the metabolic excess caused by an overconsumption of sugar. Fructose, especially, can pose significant health issues, particularly liver problems. The liver is the only organ capable of metabolizing fructose, and this process is particularly concerning. It has been linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is increasingly common among children despite not being their fault.
Understanding Vegetable Oils
The other major issue is the industrial pressed seed oils, such as cottonseed and soybean oils, which are marketed as 'Pure Vegetable Oil.' However, these oils are more akin to industrial lubricants and can be even closer to paint than food. Our bodies find these oils inflammatory and obesogenic. It's important to note that these are very recent and highly profitable products, whereas traditional fats like butter, tallow, lard, suet, and coconut oil have a much longer history and are not typically associated with modern diseases. Understanding the difference between these fats and industrial oils can be crucial for maintaining good health.
A Personal Perspective: Life Insurance and Health Records
As a former Research Librarian, I have invested years into researching various health problems. This extensive knowledge means that when I go to a new doctor, I arrive armed with a list of questions and a lot of prior knowledge that doctors often wish I didn't have. Additionally, I provide citations for relevant articles.
Not long ago, I applied for life insurance in early 2020, but due to the lack of vaccines and ongoing health risks due to COVID, they opted for a detailed health history instead of a physical exam. I submitted a comprehensive Word document listing my health problems, procedures, medications, doctors, locations, and outcomes, spanning from when I was 18 and underwent infected cyst surgery. The document was 3 pages long, written in size 11 Arial font, reflecting my mild OCD which manifests in the form of lists and tables. To my surprise, I received my life insurance policy. I'm not sure if they simply skipped over the document halfway through, assuming it was TL:DR, or if they read it in full and decided to proceed. Regardless, I am grateful that I excluded any childhood illnesses like measles and chickenpox from the list.
Conclusion
The explosion of sugar in our diets and the industrialization of vegetable oils represent significant challenges to our health. Understanding the difference between natural fats and industrial oils, along with the impact of fructose on the liver, can help us make more informed decisions about our dietary choices. While my own experience with life insurance may be somewhat humorous, it underscores the importance of documenting and understanding our health histories.