Unfortunately, in our society, our natural human desire for sweets is typically satisfied by the consumption of products containing sugar, like candy bars, soda and ice cream. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates that the typical American now consumes an unbelievable 32 teaspoons of added sugar a day. (1) The Standard American Diet contains about 40 percent of calories from processed foods such as sugar, and refined grains, both of which are nutrient depleted. We satisfy our natural primate sweet tooth by consuming processed foods that are deficient in fiber, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals.

It is not merely that sugar and other sweets are harmful, it is what we are not eating that is causing us problems. Refined sugars cause us to be malnourished in direct proportion to how much we consume them. They are partially to blame for the high cancer and heart attack rates we see in America. Refined sugars include table sugar (sucrose), milk sugar (lactose), honey, brown sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, molasses, corn sweeteners, maple syrup and fruit juice concentrates. Even the bottled and boxed fruit juices that many children drink are a poor food; with no significant nutrient density.

We need to enjoy sweets from fresh natural fruits and other plant substances that supply us not just with carbohydrates for energy but also with the full complement of indispensable substances that prevent illnesses. Fruit is an essential part of our diets. We have such a large area of our tongue to taste sweets and a natural inclination to enjoy them because they are a natural food for our species. Eating fresh fruit is an indispensable requirement for us to maintain a high level of health. Fruit consumption has been shown in numerous studies to offer our strongest protection against certain cancers, especially oral and esophageal, lung, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. (2)

Researchers have discovered substances in fruit that have unique effects on preventing aging and deterioration of the brain. Some fruits, especially blueberries, are rich in anthocyanins and other compounds having anti-aging effects. (3) Studies continue to provide evidence that fruit consumption is associated with lowered mortality from all cancers combined. Eating fruit instead of empty calorie refined sugar is vital to your health and longevity.

Just to illustrate how beneficial eating fruit is, consider this important study. A sixty year study of about 5000 participants found that those who were in the highest quartile of fruit consumption during childhood were found to have 38 percent lower incidence of all types of cancer as adults.(4)

In our house, not only do we enjoy fruit in its natural state, but we also whip up frozen fruits to make fantastic sorbets and creamy desserts.

Try this one. Frozen mango, blended with a little dried mango, soaked overnight in soy milk, blend up in a high qualtity blender with a little lemon and shredded coconut for a real treat for the entire family. You can substitute many other fruits in place of the mango.

For a comprehensive understanding of the fascinating nutritional etiology of our exploding cancer epidemic read my book, Disease Proof Your Child. It will put all the pieces of the puzzle together for you. It is a must read for any student or scientist with an interest in nutrition and cancer.

1. Kantor, L.S. 1999. A dietary assessment of the U.S. food supply. Nutrition Week 29 (3):4-5.
2 Block , G, Paterson, B, and Sabar A, 1992, Fruit, Vegetables and Cancer Prevention: a review of epidemiological evidence. Nutr. Cancer 18 (1): 1-29.
3. Cao, G., B. Shukitt-Hale, P.C. Bickford, et al. 1999. Hyperoxia-induced changes in antioxidant capacity and the effect of dietary antioxidants, J. Appl. Physiol. 86 (6): 1817-22.
4. Maynard M, Gunnell D, Emmett P, et al. Fruit, vegetables and antioxidants in childhood and risk of cancer: tge Boyd Orr cohort. J Epidimiol Community Health 2003;57:219-225.