“We should not be prevailed upon to take anything into the mouth that will bring the body into an unhealthy condition, no matter how much we like it. Why? Because we are God’s property. You have a crown to win, heaven to gain, and a hell to shun. . . .
“It is better to let sweet things alone. Let alone those sweet dessert dishes that are placed on the table. You do not need them. You want a clear mind to think after God’s order.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 328.
Let us review, from a scientific viewpoint, some of the effects of sugar on the system:
- Excess sugar affects the health of the teeth, causing decay.
- Excess sugar lowers one’s resistance to disease.
- Refined sugar is a high calorie, concentrated food with little or no nutritive value.
- High sugar intake can cause liver damage undistinguishable from liver damage due to alcoholism.
- High sugar intake is associated with mature-on-set diabetes.
- High sugar can contribute to constipation.
- High sugar intake can cause vitamin B deficiencies.
- Some nutritionists feel that a high sugar intake is responsible for a malfunctioning appetite, contributing to overweight.
- Too much sugar, in any form, clogs the system, resulting in mental depression, and can cause sleepiness and mental confusion.
According to England’s noted nutritionist, Professor John Yudkin of the University of London, sugar may be the etiologic factor in atherosclerosis, or heart-vessel disease. He believes that there is a clear association between sugar intake and heart disease. (Medical Tribune, July 10, 1969.) Most of us find it hard to believe that we are consuming as much sugar as we do, but remember that more than two-thirds of our sugar intake is hidden in prepared food products and beverages. Learn to read the labels when you go to the grocery store and you will be amazed to find what you have been eating. Remember that the contents are listed in order according to the amount used in the ingredients. Notice especially breakfast cereals.
I am very partial to dates as a sweetener. They are a natural, unrefined product and almost universally obtainable. You will find that you can use dates for almost everything. Remember that the nearer you can come to the simple, unrefined foods, the better your health will be. Keep in mind that “a clogged stomach means a clogged brain.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 46.
For those of you who are not familiar with Fruit Source, it is a sweetener made from grapes and whole grain rice and can be obtained in either granular or syrup form. If you have problems obtaining it from a local health food store, we will furnish you with distributor names. The syrup tastes like a high-grade molasses—delicious!
“I saw that our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us the great blessing of light upon the health reform, that we may obey the claims which He has upon us and glorify Him in our bodies and spirits, which are Him, and finally stand without fault before the throne of God.” Ibid., 51. May we be ready to meet Him whenever He calls us.
(We would not understand the Spirit of Prophecy to condemn the use of all sugar, but the free use that is all too common today. See Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 246. Testimonies, vol. 2, 383, vol. 3, 21, Counsels on Diet and Foods, 197, and Ministry of Healing, 299-301. Editors)
Cashew Topping
1 cup white grape juice
1/4 cup granular Fruit Source
2 cups cashews
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon white vanilla
Peanut Butter Balls
Mix together:
1 cup (homemade) peanut butter
1/4 cup carob powder
1/4 cup mashed banana
2 teaspoons vanilla
Shape into balls and roll in sesame seeds. Press a walnut or pecan half in each ball. Refrigerate.