The Secrets of Sugar - the fifth estate

We’ve heard for years about the dangers of eating too much fat or salt. But there have never been recommended limits for sugar on Canadian food labels, despite emerging research that suggests the sweet stuff may be making more of us fat and sick. In the fifth estate’s season premiere, Gillian Findlay digs into the surprising science — and the reaction from the food industry — to reveal The Secrets of Sugar. Has the sugar industry been hiding an unsavoury truth from consumers?

A small but influential group of medical researchers is stirring up the health debate, linking sugar not just to rising obesity rates but also to a host of diseases including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

We put a family of four on a healthy diet to try to beat their sugar habit and track the surprising results. We talk to leading scientists – and their critics. And we ask the food industry why those ingredient labels are far from clear when it comes to how much sugar is really on your plate.

Original airdate : October 4th, 2013

[celestialknight]

You will never truly realize how liberating & energizing life is until you cut out sugar & junk, empty carbs, and start eating healthy. You literally become a new person, with new energy. It’s amazing. I wish I had cut out toxic food earlier!

[joepschmobly]

It's interesting that this was produced 7 years ago and nearly nothing has changed.

[ginap]

I watch this video every year as a reminder to stay on track and stay away from processed foods & sugar as such as possible.

[digitalLiming]

9 years ago? and I'm only seeing this now? Wow!

[athanasiosgalanis]

When I was a kid I used to put a few tablespoons of sugar on top of my cornflakes, what I didn't know was that I was actually pouring sugar on top of sugar

[Ngamotu]

There is one important thing to note about this video that is not mentioned in it. The doctor who denies any links between sugar and disease, John Sievenpiper, he has received funding from the food industry, notably from Coca Cola, and has spoken at symposiums sponsored by the company.

[kmcel]

Glad at 20 that I figured this out. After going Keto and reading every label, I've become aware of just how processed and loaded with sugar our foods are. Oils, meats, nearly everything. I rarely eat anything out of a package anymore, and only if the ingredients meet my standards. I've seen many people give up cigarettes, and other drugs, but rarely do you find someone willing to commit to giving up sugar or refined carbohydrates from their diet. Best health choice I've ever made, plus I learned to cook.

[catbriggs]

I just started eating low carb, low (almost no) sugar - and already, I feel better. I'm eating mostly fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, etc. Here's the biggest surprise: The food tastes fantastic! I no longer am hungry between meals, my energy and sense of well-being is so much improved, and I can think clearly. Although I'm not diabetic, I was definitely heading there. The hardest part has been figuring out how to cook things. I sit down and cut veggies and/or fruit into whatever I plan to eat that day. Sitting helps make it easy. I never cooked, just grabbed convenience food. Now, I actually enjoy cooking. Before I did this, I thought I was eating well (no junk food, no fast-food, no candy, no desserts, no sodas, etc.) But what I didn't realize is how loaded processed food is with sugar and carbs. It's unbelievable.

[Ishanzari]

The sad part of this is none of these CEO's and representatives of the major food corporations feed their families this garbage but they will gladly sell it to the rest of the world...

[kerimartens]

I am a senior and gave up sugar 3 weeks ago . My arthritis pain is 90% gone and I no longer have balance problems. My brain fog has dissipated and I also lost 2 pounds. I love desserts but love my healthy body more!

[maggiemoo]

Took sugar out of my diet and my bp dropped 40 points with no meds🇱🇷🙏🇱🇷

[MoonriseJT-Official]

After watching this video, I realized my shopping habits needed a change. Most of the items I was selecting had a lot of sugar. I deleted the whole list and opted for healthier options without any added sugar. I hope this video can reach more people and save lives!

[kianbautista]

One of the reasons why people should always make their own food…

[verlyndateague]

I've watched a lot of videos on YouTube, including Dr. Lustig's talks (which I like).  This has to be one of the BEST.  Too bad others are not seeing it.  Only 8, 000 have watched this video, while some people talking about how to grow their hair longer get 400, 000 plus views.  Sad world we live in sometimes. 

[Simon-plzi]

I quit all alcohol, refined sugar and processed food, and ate a strict whole food diet. Within two months my sleep apnea that was destroying my health was completely gone. Mainly because my body was no longer inflamed. After three months I lost a lot of weight and have no more joint pain. I now walk daily and gym three times a week. I look and feel like a brand new person.

[wlockhart]

The video doesn't make it clear, but John Sievenpiper has received research funding from the sugar industry and processed food companies. His viewpoint where he dismisses the negative health effects of sugar consumption should be viewed in this context.

[grettalemabouchou]

I have done all I can to eliminate ADDED sugars. Its been 6 weeks and I feel so good! My skin is clearer and I am no longer a SLAVE to sugar😀 I lost a few pounds too.

[bgregg]

After cutting way, way down on sugars & starches, I easily lost 50lbs without exercise & have had no trouble keeping it off. I have no intention of ever returning to my old way of eating.

[akochimgapo]

Thank you CBC News. This is what ordinary public need to know ! What is more important than the health?

[richtygart]

My doctor told me "If the food you buy has an ingredients label on it, don't buy it."