The 10 Best Documentaries About Sugar And Its Effects

Intro: Documentaries about Sugar

Sugar is a sweet, white crystalline or granular food that is composed of water and fructose (fruit sugar) and sucrose (table sugar), which occurs naturally in various plants. In the body, glucose and fructose are metabolized to generate energy in a process known as glycolysis. The rise of artificial sweeteners such as sucralose in products like canned soft drinks has led to the increased use of non-nutritive sweeteners, which have been linked to an increased risk for obesity. Recent studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can also affect gut bacteria in ways that increase the risk for metabolic syndrome and diabetes. While these findings deserve further study, it’s important to consider what you put into your body as you explore how to best manage sugar intake.

Many people are addicted to sugar. It is often viewed as "empty calories" that provide a quick and easy fix for their energy levels, but the fact is that sugar is not the answer. Sugar can cause insulin spikes and crashes, which can cause blood sugar imbalances and weight gain. Instead of turning to sugary snacks, you should be looking for healthy foods that will give you natural energy without causing these problems. Not only that, but it’s also important to check our food labels and make sure what we are eating isn’t loaded with as many artificial ingredients as possible. There are ways we can all be healthier regarding how much sugar we consume, and it starts by cutting out some of those empty carbs like breads and pastas.

In this article, we're going to learn more about Sugar, from his history, how it's produced, his role and side effects in modern society.

1. Big Sugar Part 1 - History of Sugar Documentary

In the early days of sugar production, it is said that slaves were used to extract and process sugar cane. The first documented use of slaves for this purpose was in 1516 when a Spanish plantation owner brought over 300 African captives from Cuba to work on his estate in Hispaniola (now Haiti). Sugar became so prevalent with its popularity among European royalty during the 16th century that King Henry VIII had an entire department within Whitehall dedicated solely to "sugar affairs." However, these imports led Europeans into conflict with Native Americans who relied heavily on their traditional diets, which included large amounts of wild honey. This caused tension between colonists and natives as well as a decline in native populations due largely because they lost access to more natural food sources such as beehives.

2. Big Sugar Part 2 - History of Sugar Documentary

This is part 2 of the documentary on the history of sugar. In this video, we talk about how sugar fueled Europe's Industrial Revolution and then later on slavery. We'll also go over how sugar became a luxury item in the 1800s and then moved to being a necessity in the 1900s.

3. What Goes On Inside The Sugar Capital Of The Nation?

Australia has a diverse geography with many resources and is home to twenty-one million people. It’s an enormous landmass which houses a number of high-tech industrial operations, like mining and logging. Australia is known for having big ideas that are turned into reality in the country - from its vast natural landscape, to its booming economy.

From the sugar cane farmers to the sugar refineries, this documentary looks at what goes on inside the sugar capital of Australia.
Focusing on the people and businesses that keep Australia's sugar industry thriving, this documentary explores how this industry links in with other economic sectors in Australia.

4. Price of Sugar- Documentary about Sugar

In the film, Bill Haney takes on a sugar baron who is known for his cruelty and greed. In one scene from the documentary, he confronts him in front of an audience at a church service about how much money it would take to buy all their freedom back. “You’re going to have to give them $75 million dollars! And that's what you owe them," said Father Christopher with conviction as he pointed towards the congregation."
"That's not my problem!" shouted out Mr. Domenech angrily before storming off into his car where many members of Haiti were waiting outside during mass time after being forced by plantation owners or Haitian officials they had paid off (to) stay inside while they attended services so that nobody could see how badly Haitians were treated and exploited.

5. The Sugar Lobby: How The Industry Hides The Real Harm Caused By Sugar

The average person in France eats about 34 kg of sugar - twice as much as people did 15 years ago. 80% of the sugar we consume is hidden in everyday foods, like "healthy" breakfast cereals or ready meals. The fact that most people don't even know what they are consuming has led to a dangerous epidemic-  and diabetes, heart disease and many other serious illnesses being on the rise due to this type of ingestion. In addition, there is mounting evidence linking sugars with cancer, something which should not be ignored by those who care for their health!

6. 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 on sugar, despite emerging research that suggests it may be making more of us obese and sick. In The Secrets Of Sugar season premiere, Gillian Findlay digs into this surprising science - and the reaction from those in power - to reveal a myriad of secrets hidden behind the label "sugar". Has the sugar industry been hiding an unsavoury truth from consumers?

We put a family of four on a healthy diet to try to beat their sugar habit and track the surprising results. Scientists talk about how they manage sugar intake, both in terms of its role in obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other health problems – as well as at what point we should stop counting an ingredient’s glycemic index (GI) or Net Carbs etc. We also speak with critics who say that even if you get your recommended daily allowance for all nutrients, this doesn't mean you can eat whatever you want anyway. And we ask the food industry why those ingredients labels are far from clear when it comes to how much sugar is really on your plate!
The Food Industry: "There's no legal requirement for companies providing products labeled ‘low-fat’ or ‘no cholesterol” to list carbohydrates".

7. Sugar: The Bitter Truth - Sugar Documentary

Lustig's research has shown that the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is associated with an increased risk for obesity and metabolic syndrome, as well as a host of other chronic health problems. These include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer and others. Lustig argues that fructose makes us fat by increasing insulin levels in our body; fiber does not have this same effect because it slows down how quickly food moves through your digestive system.  This means you can eat more sugary foods without getting fatter or sicker than if you ate fewer calories from sugar, but did consume enough fiber to slow digestion time.

8. The Truth About Sugar Addiction - BBC Sugar Documentary

Scientists have found that sugar leads to addiction and is highly addictive. It stimulates the same pleasure centers of the brain as cocaine, heroin, or other drugs like nicotine. A sugar addiction can lead to many health problems as well as emotional and psychological pain for years after it has become an actual problem in your life
How do you know if you are addicted? Sugar withdrawal symptoms include cravings and depression when it stops being consumed regularly.

9. Sugar Coated - White Death is Everywhere

The documentary argues that sugar is the prime cause of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It also shows how these diseases are similar to alcoholism in that they both share common symptoms such as cravings for sweets or alcohol. The film then goes on to show what happens when a person has too much sugar in their body: it causes them to literally get drunk with an increase in dopamine levels, which leads people into addiction and other problems.

10. That Hits the Sweet Spot - Sugar Documentary

A fantastic documentary on the damage that sugar is doing to the population. The movie doesn't pull any punches and goes into detail about how much of a problem this has become in our society, especially when it comes down to health issues like diabetes. It explains why we need less sugar and what steps can be taken by people who are trying to cut back or eliminate all forms of sugar from their diet.

Conclusions: Documentaries about Sugar

The prevalence of diabetes, which can often be attributed to the consumption of too much sugar, continues to rise, leading to increased healthcare expenditures in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the same time, individuals, families and communities are looking for more nutritious, tasty, and convenient ways to manage sugar intake. As individuals and families attempt to manage sugar, especially from sweetened beverages, health care providers should be aware of possible risks, as well as the beneficial effects of healthy substitutions and eating habits that include balanced sugar intake, such as switching from sugary foods and beverages to fresh fruits and vegetables, non-processed whole grains, and lean proteins.

If you enjoyed this collection of documentaries about Sugar, be sure to share with your friends and keep exploring!