Sugar is a commonly used substance. Whether its in coffee, tea, or the key ingredient in your favorite candy, sugar is something we, as humans consume everyday. Sugar also comes in many varieties, some claiming to be more healthy than the other, and being safe for consumption for those with Diabietes. Other sugar based substances, like High Fructose Corn Syrup are rumored to be very harmful to the body.

With all of these varieties of sugar; aspartame, splenda, saccharine, and high fructose corn syrup, which are really safe to consume? What is sugar anyway? What do these varieties contain and how are they made?  And is it really more beneficial to avoid sugar altogether, or to consume it in moderation?

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to take a close look at sugar, what it is, what it means for Autism, and some alternatives that may be safer than Sugar.

First of all, let’s take a look at the basics:

What is Sugar?

A simple definition of sugar is : “a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener and preservative.” However, it’s much more complicated than that especially with its substitutes. When the word “sugar” is used, it usually refers to sucrose which is derived from sugar cane and sugar beet, a cultivated plant.

The problems with Sugar

The problem with sucrose is that it can contribute to tooth decay. Most experts believe that too much sugar does not in fact cause diabetes. However, excessive calories from sugar can contribute to obesity which then can heighten the risk of diabetes.

Other Sugar Varieties

Other sugar varieties, which are typically used in industrial food preparation are glucose, fructose, and high fructose corn syrup.

Glucose itself is stored mainly in the liver and is an essential, primary source of energy …